THE POLITICAL SITUATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18736, 14 December 1922, Page 8

THE POLITICAL SITUATION

SILENT LEADERS. A POSSIBLE DISSOLUTION. (From Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, December 13. It seems as if the election results as now known may nob be materially altered, though there is still doubt in regard to Otaki, where Mr Field, the Government candidate, is leading by only SO votes, with 180 votes still to be counted. It may be taken for grunted, however, that recounts will bo demanded in some of the electorates where the voting has been close. The result inns leaves the Government with a majority over each of the other parties in the House, but in a minority of four as compared with the total strength of all parties, including the Independents. This minority may or may not disappear on a no-confidence division, as there are some Liberals pledged to their constituents not to vote in favour of a Liberal-Labour combination. If the no-confidenco motion were defeated possibly Mr Massey might be able to ■'carry on the government of the country. Whether or not he would attempt! this under such circumstances and agree to shoulder the load of responsibility and anxiety that it would entail remains to bo seen. A meeting of the Cabinet was held today, but at its conclusion the Prime Minister ■ Said he had no statement to make, beyond that the people of the dominion could take it for granted that he would follow the constitutional course. All the members of the Ministry, including the, hon. E. P. Lee, are at present in 'Wellington. Probably the whole party will fco called together after the holidays, and the situation thoroughly discussed. The executive of the Liberal Party, consisting of Messrs Wilford, Sidey, \ oilch, Kgata, Forbes, and Masters, are also assembling here to discuss the situation. Mr Wilford has nothing to say for publication in the meantime Later he also will call ihis party together. Mr J. M'Combs, tlie member {or Lyttelton, has come nn to Wellington, so possibly there will also bo a meeting of the Labour Party. Meantime interest attaches to a message which Mr H. E. Holland, the leader, has sent o the Maoriland Worker, the official organ of the party. Mr Holland urges his party to bo ready to again enter the field at, short notice. The message reads; “Labour has recorded a magnificent dominion advance. Hearty congratulations to every elected member, and heartiest congratulations to ev-ery defeated candidate wno loyally carried the banner of Labour into the fray. Let our 7th December victorv be an incentive to greater achievements. If Labour’s foes combine in the House Labour will be the official Opposition. If they fail to combine there must be another election. If this occurs Labour should contest every electorate where there is a Labour organisation. Eternal vigilance is the price of; liberty. We have clone splendidly in the fight just ended. We must be determined to do better in the fight that is coming. Therefore, let the whole army of Labour be ready to again enter the field at short notice.” Bo far the political situation does-, not clear, and there is now looming ahead the possibility of an early dissolution. It may be taken for granted that Parliament will be called to assemble early in February, when Mr 'Wilford will no doubt move a no-confidence motion. If this motion were carried Mr Massey would perforce have to hand his resignation tw the GovernorGeneral, who would in due course send for Mr Wilford. The latter would then bo allotted the task of forming a Ministry. This Ministry would no doubt include Messrs Sidey, Veitch, Ngata, Forbes, and Masters, his present executive. Other members would S'bly be chosen from such as Messrs Horn, Buddo, Atmore, Eclie, Hanan, and Smith, though the two latter are classed as Independents. Such a team could not be regarded as other than weak, and it would not survive for any length of time in Parliament. In due course another want-of-confidonce amendment would be proposed and carried, and then Mr Wilford, as head of this second Government, could claim a dissolution, and the right of going to the country. Reformers, and, indeed, a good many Liberals, think that the result of such nn appeal would most certainly bo to reinstate Mr. Massey in power with a largo enough majority to form a stable Government.