POLITICAL PROSPECTS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue LXVIII, 25 June 1912, Page 5

POLITICAL PROSPECTS.

WHAT MAY HAPPEN

[By Telegraph—Spectal to Star ] WELLINGTON, June 24. From what I hear and from what F know, I incline to the belief that they Mackenzie Ministry will be defeated byr a narrow majority, but that this wilt not open up a clear road for Mr Massey and his party. But it is not at all un- -* likely that, in the final adjustment oF things, we may see even before the session ends a strong marshalling of Moderates, indicating the first move in sw long fight against Labor and Radicalism.

LIBERAL PARTY'S TROUBLE. The return of Mr T. M. Wilford an undoubted Liberal, brings the Government total up to 41 on paper, against the Opposition's 38; but the public has been thoroughly well informed of the dissatisfaction of some Liberals,, and it is anticipated that this will assume the dimensions of a serious split. It is suggested that the members who are, to say the least, indifferent regarding the Ministry's fate comprise two-ex-Ministers, Messrs Millar (Dunedia Central), and R. McKenzie (Motueka), and Messrs J. Craigie (Timaru), E. J. Clark (Chalmers), and Vernon Reed (Bay of Islands), and if rumor does not do them injustice, then the Ministry must go out. I understand that the exMinisters are, in any case, certain to suport Mr Massey's no-confidence motion. Thus its adoption by one vote> would be assured, but Mr Massey would scarcely be able to carry on," unless he secured a more substantial backing, especially as a second no-confidence motion is, I am positive, going to .fee moved. The presence of the ex-Pre-mier in opposition is a new element in the position, and it is scarcely likely that he will be inactive during theeventful weeks ahead. A limited trucemay be effected to secure electoral reform, in view cf an <*arlv appeal to* the country, and it will, of course, h» necessary to sep^ro aonropriations, s^ that the administrative machine and. public works n;ny not stop. Trocal Bills, if of great importance wiU receiver some consideration, but it is doubtful if the pile of measures prepared by Mr Mackenzie and his colleagues can hay» much consideration, even though they win the preliminary battle. It is intended to adjourn soon after the opening on Thursday, as a mark of respect to deceased legislators. An Imprest Supply Bill will be taken on Friday, and Mr Massey will give notice of his no-confidence amendment. The? Oposition caucus left the form of this amendment entirely to the leader's discretion.