THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1928. THE DEFEAT, OF THE MINISTRY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20586, 8 December 1928, Page 12

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1928. THE DEFEAT, OF THE MINISTRY.

The Prime Minister wound up the debate on the Address-in-Rep3y in the House of Representatives yesterday with a speech,, the manliness and dignity of which extorted the admiration even of his opponents. Sir Joseph Ward and Mr Holland both, after the division had been taken, expressed their warm appreciation of the tone of the speech which was in excellent taste and free from the slightest suspicion of rancour or even of annoyance. The result of the division on the motion of want of confidence in the Government was a foregone conclusion. The Government could have been saved from defeaf only by the members of the Labour Party voting in favour of it. There was never any reason, however, for supposing that the Labour members would adppt «such a course, and the speech of their leader on Thursday night showed plainly that they intended to act precisely as they might .and should have been expected to act. There were no surprises about the division. The Independent members, as well as the Labour' Party, voted with the United Party to oust the Government from office. These members had all indicated their dissatisfaction with the Reform Government, and it was to be anticipated, therefore, that they would be found in the lobby with the United Party in the division on Sir Joseph Ward's motion. If, however, they were sincere in their expressions of independence during the election contest Sir Joseph Ward can hardly reckon upon their rendering docile support to his Government. He has the means at his hand, no doubt, by which tile ostentatious independence of one or two of them may be converted into fervid allegiance. But in utilising these means he may extend : to members who were avowed supporters of his during the election less than the consideration that is now expected by them.,

While Mr Coates made the most impressive speech in the debate on the Address-in-Reply, the most interesting was that delivered by the Leader of the Labour Party. The result of the general election was a severe disappointment to Mr Holland because he had hoped that the operation of the three-party system would prove to be favourable to his party, and he had publicly expressed the belief that the nest Ministry in the Dominion would be formed by him. He professes, however, to perceive cause for -satisfaction in the result of the election. He claims that the Labour Party now occupies a position of such strategic strength as places it in possession of the key to the political situation. Proceeding on Thursday night to say that the manner in which his party turned, this key would depend on circumstances, he laid down the terms on ■which the Labour Party would accord support to the Government that is now to be formed by Sir Joseph Ward. They are terms the compliance with which would involve the expenditure of vast sums of money. The United Party is, however, committed by its election programme to a reduction of taxation. ✓ It has been credited by a large number of electors with an ability to achieve astonishing performances In the realm of finance, but its powers of accomplishment are likely to prove equal to the task of meeting a greatly increased expenditure with a greatly reduced income. And if it is not prepared to purchase the support of (he Labour Party by entering into huge commitments, for which the taxpayers would inevitably have to pav, what then? It will, at the best, be an unenviable position which the Ministry that is about to be formed will occupy. If it manages in some way or other to retain the support of all the Independent members it will represent a party that will be 32 strong in a House of 79 (exclusive of the Speaker) so that on any question on which it is opposed by a combination of the other parties it will be in a minority of 15. Sir Joseph Ward has already threatened the House with a dissolution if it does not allow him to “put his policy through.” He seems to assume that this throat will be sufficient 'to enable him to achieve his purpose. It is not certain that he would be entitled to a dissolution if ho were to ask for one, but it is impossible to doubt the political value of a threat such as he has employed- 1