The Hawera Star. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1928. THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 6 December 1928, Page 4

The Hawera Star.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1928. THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

OBlivuran every evening T>y E> o'oloch in -HRwerA Manatr,. Normnnby Okamwra. Elihatn. Mangatoki. Eaponga. Alton, , uriey ville gaißa. Waverlev, Mo-oia, Wtiakamara, Ohangal, Meremer*. Fraaei ft-ail and Araratft

The tatties 'being adopted by the leaders cut it-he three patties in Parliament are providing the country with am 1 unusniail amount of interest in affairs political. The Prime Minister aind Sir Joseph Ward appear to 'be in. agreement in regard to the desirability of 'limiting the imnnbcr of speeches on the Address-in-Reply, but the silence of Air Holland on that point lends colour toi the forecasts' which' ha.ve boon made of his intention to hmunch a criticism, of the Government from his side of the House. The notices of questions which have been, tabled by the Labour Party relative to the unemployment question and rates' of pay for relief works indicate that the Labour Party is out to make what capital it c-an of the uncertain political situation. Tt. appears fairly obvious that, .those quest ions have been asked, not in the hope Of receiving favourable replies from the Government ■which is soon to' go. out of office, but with the purpose of indicating to. the incoming Government what Labour exTjc'cts from it in 'this connection. Sir •Joseph Ward apparently has a countermove in readiness for any rhtemp’t by j Labour to embarrass him on. the ques-

tion of unemployment relief, for ho has already indicated that if certain legislation is; not passed this session, another session will be necessary in February. This :has been taken Jo mean that he will move, either now or in February, for legislation to enable him to push on with his public works' or railways programme. If he can obtain. Parliament’s approval of increased expenditure for this purpose, he will provide his party with an auswcT to any criticism which may came from the Labour side in regard to: unemployment, relief aud at the same time arm himse'lf with a claim; to Labour support on a division. He could not choose a better subject upon which to divide the House at present. It will be interesting to learn if Sir Joseph Wand is prepared to, extend this gesture to Labour by embracing a'lsOi a proposal to increase the rates of wages paid to mien engaged on relief works. The, next few days should make some points clearer and at the same time reveal the intentions of the tacticians on ■each of the three sides. In, a political situation like that existing ait the moment the party leader must continue thinking several “moves” ahead.