THE NEW HOUSE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3014, 20 December 1911, Page 31

THE NEW HOUSE.

AN -INTERESTING POSITION. GOVERNMENT_IN_A MINORITY. Except for the return of three members for the Native constituencies, the settlement of the personnel of the House of Representatives was completed on the 14th, vixen second ballots were held in no fewer than 30 electorates. The Ministerialists were successful in 10 of these contests and the Opposition in 12, while four seats went to Labour candidates, and four also to candidates who described themselves as Independent. The 77 seats that have been filled in the House ave now apportioned among the parties as follows: GOVERNMENT 31 OPPOSITION ~ 37 INDEPENDENT ~ 5 LABOUR 4 The following is the list of the members of the various parties, an asterisk distinguishing each member who sat in the House in the late Parliament: — MINISTERIALISTS. *WARD, The Right Hon. Sir J. G., Bart., Awarua. ''CARROLL, the Hon. Sir J„ Gisborne. ♦MACKENZIE, the Hon. .T., Egmont. ♦M'KENZIE, the Hon. R., Motueka. *MILLAR, the Hon. J. A., Dunedin West. *BUDDO, the Hon. D., Kaiapoi. ♦NGATA, the Hon. A. T., E&stcra Maori district. ♦REED, V. H., Bay of Islands, ♦GLOVER, A. E., Auckland Central♦MYEßS, A. M., Auckland East ♦MACDONALD, W. D. S., Bay of Plenty. ♦BROWN, J. V., Napier. ♦WILFORD. T. M., Hurt. ♦COLVIN, J., Buller. ♦GUINNESS, Hon. Sir A, R., Grey ♦SEDDON, T. E Y., Westland. ♦FORBES, G. W.» Hurunui. ♦ELL, H. G., Christchurch South. ♦LAURENSON, G, Lyttelton. DICKIE, W. J., Selwyn. ♦BUXTON, T., Temuka. ♦S'IDEY, T. K., Dunedin South ♦THOMSON, J. C, Wallace. ♦POLAND, H., Ohinemuri. ♦SMITH, R W., Waimarino. ♦RUSSELL, G. W., Avon. ♦WITTY, G., Riccarton. ♦DAVEY, T. H., Christchurch East. M'CALLUM, R,, Wairau. ♦CRAIGIE, J., Timaru. ♦HANAN, J. A., Invercargill. OPPOSITIONISTS. ♦MASSEY, W. F., Franklin. ♦MANDER, F., Marsden. BRADNEY, J. H., Auckland West ♦BOLLARD, J., Eden. ♦LANG, F. W., Manukau. YOUNG, H. A., Waikato. WILSON, C. K., Taumarunui, ♦HERRIES, W. H., Tauranga. HUNTER, G., Waipawa. ♦BUCHANAN, W. C, Wairarapa. ♦OKEY, H. J. H., Ta.ranaki. ♦PEARCE, G. V., Patea. ♦HINE, J. 8., Stratford. ♦GUTHRIE, D. H., Oroua. ♦BUICK, D., Palmerston. ♦NEWMAN, E., Rangitikei. ♦HERDMAN, A. L., Wellington North. . ♦RHODES, R. H., Ellesmere. LEE, E. P., Oamaru. STATHAM, O. E., Dunedin Central. ♦SCOTT, R., Otago Central. ♦ALLEN, J., Bruoe. * MALCOLM, A. S., Clutha ♦ANDERSON, G. J., Mataura. ♦FRASER, W., Wakatipu. DICKSON, J S., Parnell, HARRIS, A., Waitemata. BOLLARD, R. F., Raglan. ESCOTT, J. H., Pahiatua. SYKE9, G. R., Masterton. CAMPBELL, H. M., Hawke's Bay. ♦FISHER, F. M. 8., Wellington Central. NEWMAN, Dr A. K., Wellington East. BELL, W. H. D., Wellington Suburbs and Country District. ♦NOSWORTHY, W., Ashburton. SMITH, F. H., Waitefti. •THOMSON, G. M., Dunedin North. INDEPENDENT. RHODES, T. W., Thames. COATES, J. G., Kaipara. ATMORE, H., Nelson.

*ISITT, L. M., Christchurch North. •CLARK, E. H., Chalmers. LABOUR. PAYNE, J., Grey Lynn. VEITCH, W. A., Wanganui. HINDMARSH, A. H., Wellington South. ROBERTSON, J., Otaki. WILD SCENE ON LAMBTON QUAY. PRIME MINISTER REFUSED A HEARING. CROWD GETS OUT OF HAND. (Fhom Oub Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, December 14. At two minutes past 10 the Prime Minister appeared on the balcony of the New Zealand Times Office, and a scene of wild excitement ensued. The dense crowd at once began to cheer and hoot. Pandemonium reigned, and there was one continual roar of cheering and hcoting. Never in the history of New Zealand has such a scene been witnessed. After 20 minutes the crowd became absolutely uncontrollable. Several fights occurred, and hats wera trampled in the dust, while several people seemed to go down. It was positively dangerous-. The Prime Minister could not get a hearing-, but he, together with Lady Ward and 1 Miss Ward, looked down smilingly and waved hats,and handkerchiefs at the turbulent crowd. After 30 minutes of continuous uproar, Sir Joseph Ward endeavoured to epoak through a megaphone, but the crowd would still not listen to him. It seemed as if human throats could scarcely stand the strain, but they continued cheering and hooting, while the hands of the clock went round. Then a number of tramcars were requisitioned, and' pushed their way backwards and forwards through tho densely packed street to the imminent danger of life and limb. The crowd became incensed, clambered on to the cars, and pulled the trolly poles off the wires. After 11 o'clock the crowd began to dwindle, and most of the women, fearingan accident, left for their homes. At midnight Mr Herries was addressing the crowd, and was received with cheers. THE PRESENT POSITION. SPEECH BY SIR J. G. WARD. AWAITING FINAL RESULTS WELLINGTON, December 14. ' Sir Joseph Ward appeared before several thousand -people assembled in front of the Times office at a late hour. When he stepped to tho front of the balcony he received a very mixed reception. Thousands cheered and waved their hats, while others maintained a loud boohooing. The crowd! was not apparently in a bad humour, but it seemed out for fun and would' not give the Prime Minister a hearing. After waiting about half an hour Sir Joseph addressed a number of ladies and gentlemen inside the Times office. Sir Joseph said he was sure that everyone recognised that the country had been, going through a very strenuous fight fo? some time past. The returns which ha<l come to hand were not yet final. He was quite prepared to accept the ultimate judgment of the people, but ho wanted to mak«( it clear that at the moment of speaking the Ministerial party was not yet beaten.' He recognised that the closeness of the political parties was going to create a> position and feeifhg of unrest for probably some time. This was quite apparent ta him and, he believed,, to the people generally. It was not his intention to refer in any way to the methods employed during the recent contest. The time was inopportune for so doing, but he was surd that his hearers would agree that some of the men on the Government side who had gone down in the fight in different parts had been true to the peopjo and had done their utmost to carry on - the affairs of the country for the benefit of New Zealand as .well 'as tho particular districts, they represented in a way that reflected! the greatest credit upon them. He was very sincere in expressing his sympathy for the" men who had fallen in battle.. After all the absent votes had been counted and the elections properly completed, he would be in a position to judge as to tho course that should be taken, but in any case it would be found that he would do the right thing.—(Applause.) In a survey of tho general position he .had coraa- 'to the opinion that when the elections , were completed the Government would have a majority in the House —(applause),—and as, ho believed this would be the case hj wanted to make it clear that the Government would not be deterred in its desire to go on with important measures in which a great many of the people were so deeply concerned. He commented upon the singular fact that he was the only Prime Minister south of the line who had imposed high graduated land tax upon people who held large areas, and that throughout the country the people most active against the representatives of Labour and the Liberals were the large landed proprietors, who were able to push their 40 or 50 motor cars into an electorate in-order to crush a poor man out of political life It was a question whether this should not be looked upon as being practically a system of bribery- He did not believe the people ought to be subjected to the sort of thing which had been going on in Wellington. Every man and woman should have the fullest opportunity of voting, and if it was deemed necessary to multiply the polling places and bring them closer to the people, then he thought it would have to be done. The Labour representatives had fought honestly here, as c-lsewhere, to gain positions in the House, and yet one heard of a large landed proprietor bringing to Wellington eight motor cars on another. man's account. This was not giving~T;he Labour representative a fair chance. One Labour representative he knew of had over 1500 people to bring to the poll after 3.30 p.m.,, and he had beeni credibly informed that he could not get them to the poll because he had not suffi-. cient vehicles to compete with those running against him. He made comment because that sort of thing was becoming parti and parcel of our system of elections. In other countries care was taken that excessive wealth had no advantage. The poof man had an absolute right to take his seat in the councils of this country, and there should bo no such ■ thing here or in any other country as to make a poor man poorer when > ho was standing to exercise one of the highest privileges it was his to possess.—(Applause.) In tho course of the next week he would know the position, ana doubtless the people of this country would

know what was. the test course to adopt. He did not believe the business of the country could be carried on satisfactorily unless there was a working majority. If neither side had sufficient members in the House to enable the government to be carried on properly the people of the country would have to decide again, and again if necessary.. He was exceedingly glad to see Labour succeed in such a practical way on this' occasion. He had always been in favour ' of Labour. His public record showed that he had been on the side of the workers and the farriers, and_ there had been deliberate misrepresentation in regard to .himself on those point 6, and they were only a small part of the misrepresentations. If the Government was in a minority after a proper test had been made they could take it from him he would-be just as much a philosopher out of office as in power.—(Applause.) He wanted to see the country governed well and doing - well. He desired to see the people doing well, and his colleagues shared that desire. He could only express regret that a number of candidates, including one of his colleagues, had gone down in the battle, . but _ many good men had succumbed under similar circumstances. Sir Joseph Ward added:—"l am always ready to meet difficulties. Difficulties are made to be overcome. —(Applause.) I am not going to flinch from the situation that faces us, nor will my colleagues. — (Cheers.) I want to thank our friends from end to end of New Zealand and the supporters of my Government also —all those who worked for us—and to say how much I regret that some very fine men have \ not been successful. However, if you are not successful the right thing to do is to confratulate the winners. That is the feeling have on this occasion.—(Cheers.) I am hot going to say-' die yet, because the Government is not beaten.—(Loud cheers, and the singing of ' He's a jolly good fellow.') I want to thank you all again very much indeed." Cheers were again given. There was an enthusiastic scene for a few minutes, and soon afterwards Sir Joseph Ward left for heme. j THE SCENE IN AUCKLAND. MR MASSEY'S POPULARITY. I AUCKLAND, December 14. Great enthusiasm was displayed by the crowds in the streets watching the election results to-night, the principal items of interest being the defeat of Sir. John Findlay and the Hon. Mr Fowlds and the successes of the Opposition. Mr Massey addressed a crowd from the. Herald buildings. ". Allow me to thank the people of New Zealand generally, and the people of Auckland particularly," he said, for the generous support accorded to myself and to the party with which I am connected at the polls to-day. I extend my einoerest gratitude to my 'ellow citizens and fellow settlers in Parnell and Lynn—(Cheers.)—and to my fellow-citizena and fellow-settlers in W&itemata and Kaipaa'a. —(Cheers.) (A Voice: What about the workers?) I thank you for the interjection. To _ my fellow-workers—everyone. —(Enthusiastic cheers.) When we commenced this compaign I determined, if it were possible, to put up the biggest fight this country had ever seen—(cheers),—and with the enthusiastic assistance of my friends and fellow-citizens and fellowworkers I have achieved that object."— Prolonged cheers followed 1 , the crowd breaking into an enthusiastic demonstration that for some time prevented Mr Massey from speaking. There was some remark in the crowd about Premiership, and 1 Mr Massey said: _" When the title comes to me I don't think you will say I have not deserved it. When we commenced this campaign I knew that we had to contend against all influences of political patronage end political expenditure, and in_ many <fcases against the influence of privatelyOwned wealth arrayed against us, but we fcave prevailed against all the difficulties placed in our way." At the moment, he £dded, there were still many returns to soroe i n > anc * oould not say exactly what

the position would be. The parties might be evenly balanced, but whatever the position might be. the first aim of his party would be not their own interests, but the welfare of the people of New "Zealand. The huge audience was almost frantically excited, aud cheered the speaker again and again in a deafening uproar. As many in the vast crowd had heem unable to hear Mr Massey's first speech, he went by request to the front door of the Herald office and, balanced on a chair, spoke to the audience again. He thanked) the people from the bottom of his heart. ''l have no wish to gloat oven*, the defeat of our opponents," he said, "but I cannot help saying to-night that on account of your support I am now the proudest and happiest man in this Dominion. Your votes are an answer to all the speeches that have been circulated with .regard to my party and to myself, and have proved that you have appreciated the good work. And I eay it is good work that has been done by the Reform party.—(Cheers and uproarious applause.) You have shown by your votes that you are in favour of clean Government. —(Cheers.) Whatever may happen during the next two or three months the Ward Government is at an end. The people of the country have to-day declared against it. and iSh favour of men who have for years past done their level best for their fellow-citizens. —(Cheers.) The first thought of the men who have worked with me and who are now members of Parliament to-night will be for the welfare of the people." % (FBOSt Oca OWK CoH.RESPONnF.NT.) AUCKLAND, December 14. One of the' most "emarkable demonstrations ever known in Auckland took place around the Herald buildings to-night. An enormous crowd assembled, and was packed in a dense mass across Queen street and up Wyndham street as far as Albert street. The first return to come through showed Mr Payne in the lead for Grey Lynn, and there was a tremendous outburst ofxeheering. Then the Master-ton return went up, and the crowd roared with delight. Quickly followed then the first Parnell returns, and as the results from the different booths went up there were wild outbursts of cheering until the final announcement of Dickson's win, when the crowd went wild with delight. Cartoons of Sir John Findlay were received with roars of' delight, and then there appeared on the scene a cartoon that has gained immense popularity. It represented a boxing ring with Mr Massey smilineiy advancing on Sir J. G. Ward in Jack Johnson style, and it was greeted by one of the greatest outbursts of enthusiasm ever heard in Wyndham street. There were calls for Mr Massey, and as he appeared at one of the Herald windows he was accorded one of the wildest demonstrations he has ever had. One salvo of cheers followed another for fully 10 minutes. The portraits of Mr Dickson and Mr Ma&sev were accorded great ovations, and portraits of Sir Joseph Ward and Sir J. Findlay were received with groans and hootinfr. Mr Payne's win in Grey Lynn was very popular, and the Hon. J. A. Millar's victory in Dunedin West was greeted with a chorus of groans and hooting. It was one of the most unpopular returns of the night, except Mr Isitt's return, which induced another outburst of hostility. Return after return came in till the Opposition had 32 seats to the Government's 25. and this was hailed with demonstrations of delight. Mr Massey had to deliver a speech. There can be no doubt of the unpopularity .of the Ward Government in Auckland. The Kaipara result, showing Mr Coates in the lead, was the signal for more wild cheering. The Waitomata returns were rather slow, but as they filtered in. with Mr Harris leading, cheer followed cheer, and Mr Massey was accorded another tremendous ovation. Wanganui, Wellington Suburbs, and Dunedin North were immensely popular returns.

Short speeches by Mr Dickson and Mr Payne were greeted with great cheering. Then Mr Massey followed, and he was received with a wonderful demonstration, being cheered and cheered again.

MR COATES'S ATTITUDE. DARGAVILLE, December 14. Mr Goatcs announces that if the Ward party is returned to power he will support it lor twelve months, but if it is not returned he will adopt an absolutely independent attitude. WAITAKI. WAIMATE, December 14. Mr Macpherson briefly thanked the electors to-night. The crowd refused to give Mr Smith a hearing. OAMARU, December 14. Mr Smith's victory may fairly be attributed to the energy displayed by Mr Lee's Oamaru committee, which has worked hard throughout the electorate on his 'behalf for the past four days. THE FIRST BALLOTS. OFFICIAL DECLARATIONS. WESTPORT, December 14. . The final of the Buller figures give Mr Colvin a majority of 150 over Mr Munro.. Nothing definite has been heard of the rumoured intention to petition against Mr Colvin '& return. GORE, December 14. The official declaration of the polk for Mataura was made to-day; The following is the result: —Anderson (0), 3096; MacGibbon (IL). 2239; informal, 36. QUEENSTOWN, December 14. The official declaration of the Wakatipu poll was made to-day as follows:—Fraser (0), 2753; Horn (M), 2482. Informal 24. OAMARU. The official declaration of the result of the poll for Oamaru gives the following figures:—E. P. Loe, 3169; T. Y. Duncan, 1805; R. Milligan,.-1318; Informal 56. BRUCE. The official declaration of the electoral poll for Bruce shows that Mr J. Allen polled 3138 votes and Mr P. M'Kinlay 2463 votes. There were 64 informal votes. OTAGO CENTRAL. The Official declaration of the poll for Otago Central last week shows that Mf R. Scott polled 3354 votes, Mr W. D. Mason 1544 votes, and Mr J. Bennetts 790 votes. There were 40 informal votes. NEW MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT. J. G. COATES, Kaipara. A. HARRIS, Waitemata. J. H. BRADNEY, Auckland West. J. PAYNE, Grey Lynn. J. S. DICKSON. Parnell. T. W. RHODES. Thames. JH. A. YOUNG. Waikato. R. BOLLARD, Raglan H. M. CAMPBELL, Hawko's Bay. * G. HUNTER, Wainawa. J. H. EsCOTT. Pahiatua. G. R. SYKES. Masterton G. K. WILSON, Taumaranui. W. A. VEITCH. Waneanui J. ROBERTSON. Otaki. * Dr A. K. NEWMAN, Wellington East. A. H. HINDMARSH. Wellington -South. W. H. D. BELL. .Wellington Suburbs. H. ATMORE, Nelson R: M'CALLUM. Wairau. W J. DICKIE. Selwvn P. H. SMITH. Waitaki E. P. LEE. Oamaru. C E. STATHAM, Duncdin Central. Members of a previous Parliament. OLD MEMBERS DEFEATED. J. STALLWORTHY, Kaipara. O H. POOLE, Auckland West. Hon. G. FOWLDS, Grey Lynn. E. H. TAYLOR, Thames H. J. GREENSLADE, Waikato. R, B. ROSS. Pahiatua A. W. HOGG, Masterton J. T. HOG AN. Wanganni. W. T. JENNINGS. Taumaranui. B. DIVE, Egmon*. W. H. FIELD. Otaki R. A. WRIGHT, Wellington South. D. M'LAREN, Wellington East. J. P. LUKE, Wellington Suburbs. J. DUNCAN. Wairau. 0. A. 0. HARDY, Selwyru Hon. T. Y. DUNCAN, Oamam. J. F. ARNOLD, Dunedin Central.

MR J. PAYNE. Mr John Payne (Grey Lynn), who is a native of Lancashire, is the son of a barrister. He was intended for the law, but commercial life appealed more strongly to him, and he' entered on this career at the age of 15 years. After" filling various positions in business offices in the Old Country Mr Payne came to New Zealand. lie worked on "a farm as a cadet and he was also on the gokifields for a time. He then resumed commercial work, and was successfully engaged in accountancy work in the offices of several Auokland firms. On the opening of the Auckland Technical College he conducted the evening commercial classes for three years, and in 1906x1) ptook over the day as well as the evening classes. He resigned his position at the college in July last in order to devote his time to private business. He stood for Grey Lynn as a Labour candidate. MR J. G. COATES. Mr J Gordon Coates (Kaipara) was born at Matakohe, and after being educated at the local Stato school entered into pastoral work on his father's farm, which he now controls. He and his brother originated the Auckland Fawners' Union (Ltd.), and take an active interest in its management. He is captain of the Ota-matea Mounted Rifles, and president of the North Kaipara Agricultural Association. He has filled the position of chairman on school committees is a member of Otanaatea County Council, chairman of North Kaipara Cooperative Stores, and a prominent member of the Otamatea Racing Club. With countv matters he is closely identified, and has on more than one occasion proceeded to Wellington in order to lay the needs of his district Ministers. He is a noted breeder of Shropshire _ sheep and! Hereford cattle, and is a leading Kaipara p&storalist. MR R. F.. BOLLARD. Mr R F. Bollard (Rajrlan) is a son of Mr John Bollard, who has represented Eden in Parliament for so many yeans past. He was bcrn at'West Tamaki 47 years ago, and was brought up at Avondale, where his parents took up their abode when he was only a fortnight old. He ©pent the earlier years of his life on his father's farm. He qualified for publics life first as clerk for eight or nine years to the Avondale Road Board and as secretary to the Avondale School Committee for several years. He afterwards assisted his father in his business as a land agent and valuer. In 1900 Mr Bollard went into business on his own account as a sawmiller at Taupiri, in partnership with his brother-in-law (Mr Bailey). He retired from the sawmilling business about two years ago, and settled down to farming at Tamahere, in the Waikato. _ Mr Bollard was a member of the Waikato County Council, Waikato Hospital Board, the Waikato and Waikato Central A. and P. Asisooiatidns, the Waikato Racing and Hunt Clubs, and other bodies. He is a member of the Anglican communion, and has held various church offices at Avondale, Taupiri, and Tamahere. He has also been a member of the Auckland Diocesan Synod MR ALEX. HARRIS." Mr Alex. Harris (Waitemata) was born in London in 1878, and received his education there. He arrived in New Zealand 16 years ago with his father (Mr C. J. Harris), who is still resident in Auckland. Mr Harris has for some years followed the 'occupation of commercial traveller for Messrs R. A. Abbott and Co. (Limited). He has taken a prominent interest in Friendly Society work, having reached the highest position possible in New Zealand in the Ancient Order of Foresters—viz., Past District Chief Ranger. He has also been a member of Lod.g-e United Service, No. 10, Freemasons. He has always been an enthusiastic worker in the no-license movement. He has resided in Devonport and Takapuna for thV'last nine years. MR J. S. DICKSON. Mr J. S. Dickson (Parnell) has lived in Auckland for the palrt 26 years. He en tered the drapery trade in his young days, and for 11 years he was in the employment of Messrs Sgnith and Ca.ug.bey. He acted as manager for Mr George Fowlds for a similar period, and during the past four years he has been in business on his own account. He has taken a prominent part in friendly society work, and he has been an active member of the Druids' order for the past 20 years. He was district, president of that order from 1906 to 1907. He was a member of the Remuera Road Board for eight years, and for three years wae chairman of that body. Whilst occupying this position he was largely instrumental in securing the insertion in the Auckland Drainage Act of provisions conserving the interests of the suburban bodies. He is at present a member of the Auckland City Council, Auckland Drainage Board, and the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. Mr Dickson was a staunch advocate of the cause of Captain Knyvett, and was chairman of the Defence Committee formed in connection with the agitation which secured a second and satisfactory trial for that officer. Mr Dickson takes a great interest in various forms of sport, and is at present president of the Auckland Rugby League (Nonthern Union) and president of the Auckland Lacrosse Association. Mr Dickson stood as an Independent Liberal, but he has pledged himself to vote against the Ward Government on a no-confidence motion. I . MR J. H. ESCOTT. Mr J. H. Escott (Pahiatua), farmer, Woodville, is one of the East Coast's young settlers. For years he has been a prominent figure in the New Zealand Farmers' Union, and has rarely misled one of its conferences. He stands in the Opposition interest, and is very popular with the farmers in his district DR NEWMAN. Dr A. K. Newman (Wellington East) was born in India in 1849, and arrived in New Zealand in 1853. He was educated privately in New Zealand and at Bath, England. On taking his degree he was house surgeon at Guy's Hospital. In 1875 he returned to Now Zealand, and entered mercantile life. He has been Mayor of Wellington, a member of the Board of Governors of Wellington College, and president of the old Wellington A. and P. Association. He. represented Thorndon in Parliament from 1884 to 1890, Hutt 1890-93, and Suburbs from .1893 to 1896. Dr Newman has also been prominently conne< ; > " with many branches of sport during •" whole of his career.

MR W. H. D. BELL. Mr W. 11. D. Bell (Wellington Suburbs) is a solicitor, and son of Mr H. I>. Bell, K.C. Mr Bell, junior, was educated in New Zealand and at Cambridge Universty, where he took hi 3 degree. He returned to New Zealand a few years ago, and at onoe entered the firm of Bell, Gully, Bell, and Myers. MR HARRY~ATMORE. Mr Harry Atmore, who has been elected for Nelson, is a son of the late Mr E. Atmore,' a pioneer colonist who arrived by the ship Cresswell, was born at Nelson in 1870, and received his education at the Nelson public schools. He served his timo as a signwriter with Mr A. Lawson, of Wellington, and subsequently started business on his own account. He has been a member of the Nelson School Committee, the Education Board, and the City Council, and has been a member of the Nelson Licensing Committee since 1903. He was at one time a prominent Freemason, and was a. member of the Southern Star Lodge No. 735, E.C., Forest Lodge, N.Z.C., and Trafalgar Royal Arch Chapter, S.O. He first stood for Parliament in 1902. During- these three attempts, Mr Atmore etood as a "staunch and consistent supporter of the Government" but on this occasion he was announced as an Independent. MR R. M'CALLUM. Mr R, M'Callum (Wairau) „was born in Marlborough in 1863, his parents belonging to an early band of pioneers who came out from Scotland in the early fifties. After being educated for the law, he was at the age of 21 admitted «• barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court. Ip addition to interesting himself in farms in the. Wairau and Waikato, he has up to the present time practised his profession in Blenheim. During the last 20 years Mr M'Callum has occupied many public positions. He has been chairman of the Marlborough Education Board for five years, one of the founders of the Marlborough High School, a member of the Victoria University Council, and is president of the Marlborough Land and Railway League. For over 11 years he has been a member of the Blenheim Borough Council, and" during the last two years occupied the mayoral chair. He is connected with almost every sporting and athletio body in the district. The financing and successful carrying out of the Marlborough Industrial Exhibition of 1904 was largely due to his efforts. MR F. H. SMITH. Mr Francis Henry Smith, the newmember for Waitaki, is a New Zealander, and 43 years of age. He was born in Otago, and educated at Timaru, his parent* having while he was a small child to South Canterbury. There his father engaged in farming, and Mr Smith adopted the same calling, being now a farmer in the Albury district. He has been a member of the Timaru High School Board and of the Timaru Harbour Board, besides having served on school committees. Mr Smith has on several previous occasions wooed the electors, having twice contested the Timaru seat with Sir W. Hall-Jones. At the last general election he opposed Sir W. J. Steward for Waitaki. and, though entering the field late, ran the old member very closely, missing election by the narrow majority of 329 votes. THE PRIME MINISTER, AWAITING COMPLETE RESULTS. WELLINGTON, December 15. Speaking to a Post representative today, Sir Joseph Ward said he would not come to a decision as to the future course of aotion until after the complete returns were' in and the results of the Maori elections on Tuesday,next were known. LETTER TO THE ELECTORS. MR MASSEY'S THANKS AUCKLAND, December 15. The following letter to the electors has been handed to the Press Association by Mr Massey: - " I desire to tender my most cordial thanks to the people of New Zealand for the splendid testimony they have accorded the Reform party by giving it a majority at the elections. The electors have emphatically decided that there must be a change in the administration of the aiTuirs of the Dominion, and they have expressed their confidence in the party that I have the honour to lead and that has served their interests faithfully and well for many years. The Reform party has won its proud position in fair and open fight, and against the whole strength of the Government, which, entrenched in office, had the command of resources and organisation denied to us. Much laboured effort and much paper and ink will no' doubt be wasted in the endeavour to explain away the decisive defeat of the Government and to belittle the victory of the Reform party; but I ask the electors to estimate such effusions at their true worth, and to rest assured that the Reform party will do its duty unflinchingly, that it is solidly united in the interests of the people as a whole, and that it will act when the time comes. The people—and all the people—can accept together with my thanks my assurance that the Reform party is'guarding their best interests, and that it will be found to be the true friend not of one,' but of all sections of the community. The electors, by such a substantial endorsement of our poiicy, have indicated their desire to place the stewardship of the ' Commonwealth in the hands of the Reform party, and this high trust will be accepted in full consciousness of its honour and its responsibility. The Reform party is guided' by high aims and high ideals for the advancement of the Dominion on true democratic - lines, and it will, when the opportunity comes, prove itself the true Liberal party. It is not\ concerned with the vain boasts and foolish misrepresentation indulged in by its opponents. The answer will come by deeds, not by words. There have been many rumours and suggestions made with reference to the Reform party's Cabinet. I have not yet arrived at the Cabinet-making stage. When I have I shall take care that all sections supporting -the party are properly represented. No haety or ill-con-sidered steps will be taken by the men whom the electors have, entrusted with the duty of reforming the administration of the national affairs. The Reform party trusted the people, and the people may trust the Reform party. We shall not hesitate when the time comes to proceed with the policy outlined in, our platform. It is a sound, progressive,; and self-reliant policy, and the i., -»,-.-.. -!---. tf>Vc the. assurance of the pa.it> that it will be carried (hrough. It ma! s to.: economy of administration, a

*ound and sensible land settlement and development programme, a reduction of taxation in the fiscal system whenever possible in order to lessen the cost- of living, a Legislative Council representative of the people, a proper and efficient control of the civil service, better local government and social and industrial legislation with democratic principles, together with a wider and higher opportunity for the people and the advancement of all forms of industrial activity. Again I thank the electors, on behalf of my party as well as on my own behalf, for the confidence reposed in us and for the emphatio answer to the misrepresentation we had to fight against. The Reform party will do its duty fearlessly, confident in the trust of the people. W. F. MASSEY." INTERVIEWS WITH PROMINENT POLITICIANS. HON. J. A. MILLAR. The Hon. J. A. 'Millar, Minister of Railways, when interviewed on Friday by a Daily Times reporter, said it was not possible yet to tell what would be the outcome of the elections. When the permits were ■all to hand in, at any rate, two of the districts, and the results were definitely known, the parties l would ascertain their strength, and the course of events would then no doubt be made known. "As things are at present," added the Minister, "there seems very little chance of there being a decent working majority for either party." MR JAMES ALLEN. Mr James Allen said it appeared to him that the Government had been badly defeated. The Opposition could with certainty look for the support of some of the Independent membars, and it could look upon the majority of those members as the opponents of the Government. In addition, some of the Labour members were pledged to vote against the Government. ' Continuing, Mr Allen said: "Then there are the fo.ur Maori members, the election of three of whom takes plaoe next Tuesday (Mr Ngata being - already returned unopposed). One candidate for the Southern Maori seat (Mr Uru) is absolutely Independent, and Dr Parnate, who is contesting the Western Maori seat, is, I understand, an Oppositionist. There is a chance for one of the Native 'members gaining Executive rank under Mr Massey. Of course, if the Natives do not want one of their rem-esen-tatives to hold such office in Cabinet they will vote against Mr Massey's party. "It is quite impoFsib'e for the' Government to carry on. There is no question about that in my mind. If Parliament were to meet to-morrow a vote of want-of-confidenee in the Government would be carried, and it would be a very improper thing for any Prime Minister to hold the reins of office, and to carry out executive functions, some of them of vast importance, under such conditions. There may, for instance, be advice tendered to his Excellency the Governor which should not be tendered by a defeated Ministry. lam not rmite sure what the constitutional position is—whether there' are any cases wbere a Ministry, recognising that it was defeated, has resigned without calling Parliament together. But if this Government does not resign, then unquestionably Parliament should be called together at the earliest possible moment. If Sir Joseph Ward resigns, or if Parliament is oalled together and a vote of want-of-confidence is carried, then I oannot conceive of anvthing else but that his Excellency would be advised to send for Mr Massey. " Then there is the question of whether Mr Massey would find sufficient supnort to enable Him to carry on. I think he "would. I don't think there is any doubt about it. If he could not. there would simply be nothing for it but another election—and I don't think the country would stand that." THE HON. MR. FOWLDS. AUCKLAND, December- 15. Mr Fowlds. when interviewed this afternoon, said that the main feature of the elections was the victory of the Liquor party. Ho regards his own defeat as merely the result of a pass-wave of aberration, backed up by a combination of the Opposition and the liquor interests. The elections had divided the people, but the condition of parties gave nr> hope of a stable Government, except by means of political "deals" and intrigues that were dangerous to the country. Personally, he was neither sad nor down-hearted over the result'of his own election or. the elections generally. He intends to join at once with others in organising a real Labour-Liberal party on the democratic basis of the bar« majority for everything. SIR G. M. O'ROURKE. AUCKLAND, December 15. Sir G. M. O'Rourke said he had known instances at Homo where the Government of the day, having a sweeping majority against it at the elections, resigned immediately before Parliament met, but "when the margin between the two parties was small it was the custom to wait till Parliament reassembled. The first business was to elect a Speaker. He had known that appointment to be used for a trial of strength between the parties. In view of Sir A. Guinness's popularity, however, he thought Mr Massey would take the first • opportunity subsequent to the Speaker's election to challenge the Government's position on a no-confidence motion. A GOVERNMENT SUPPORTER'S VIEW. GORE, December 15. A prominent Govornment supporter, discussing the position with a representative of the Ensign to-day, attributed Sir Joseph Ward's set-back to his recent loss of prestige. Only two courses were open to him—either to resign forthwith or to call Par--liament together without delay. The whole position turned upon the votes of the Labourites and the Independents. After the statements made by some of these members on the hustings, they could never support the Ward Administration as at present constituted or follow Sir Joseph as Leader. The only course was, therefore, for the Liberals to look for another leader, and recent events clearly indicated that the Hon. J. A. Millar was the man. NOTES FROM WELLINGTON. (From Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, December 15. One very regrettable feature of last night's proceedings was the treatment meted out to Sir Joseph Ward and members of his family by a section of hoodlums and vouths, who followed them with much jostling to the gates of Awarua House. They were an entirely irresponsible crowd,

and from all accounts a number of them had taken more liquor than was good for them.

The polling for members in the three Maori electorates will bake place on Tuesday. In the opinion of some, the Government reverse may slightly affect these elections I anticipate that Dr Buck v ill be re-elected fov the, Northern Maori electorate, seeing that there are 10 other candidates in the field, and there is no second ballot. For the Western district, Mr Kaihau will probably be returned, though he has lost some ground with the electors of late years, and Dr Pomar'e may give him a close run. Little is known here as to how the Southern Maori contest is going. Mr Ngata (Eastern Maori) has, of course, been returned without a contest. Parliament stands prorogued till the 23rd inst. Messrs Herrios and Herdman both endeavoured to get a hearing for Sir Jospoh Ward from the" crowd at the New Zealand Times office, last r.ight, but their efforts were unavailing. NOTES FROM AUCKLAND. (From Our Own Co-respondent.) AUCKLAND, December 15. Telegrams of congratulation from all parts of New Zealand and from all classes of the community are pouring in on Mr Massey. They are accumulating in piles, and cables of congratulation on his splendid victory are reaching him from London and other parte of the world. It is rather interesting to point out that what is sauea for the gocse is sauce for the gander in respect to motor cars; also in respect to lavish expenditure. In the three second ballot constituencies of tbe Auckland suburbs the Government candidate in each case is a wealthy man. The Reform candidates at Parnell and Waiiemaba and the Labour candidate in Grey Lvnn are not wealthy, and not one of them had wealth behind him. The Government candidates in each case were helped by large relays of motor oafs. Never were so many motor cars before seen in Parnell and Waitemata. When friends of the Reform party sought oars to help in those two electorates they were scarcely to be had. Mr Fowlds states that the brewers' party worked for Mr Payne, who, by the way, is a bare majority man Mr Fowlds is the only man who believes it. » PRESS COMMENTS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, December 15. The general opinion here is that there are. only two courses open to Sir Joseph Ward—(l), That he should tender his resignation to the Governor; (2), failing his immediate resignation that he should summon Parliament in January to decide the issue As, however, th-3 Constitution takes no cognisance of parties, Sir Joseph Ward may elect to remain in office till June, when Parliament would be summoned in tbe ordinary course of events. The Post says: —" O-n the figures of tbe 7th and ]4th December the Massey party has a straight-out strength of 37, -and the certain Government brand is on only 32. The local Government journal gives the Ministry three of the Independent Liberals, making a total quota of 35. Labour has two official representatives Hindmarsh (Wellington South) and Mr Veitoh (Wanganui). Socialism has two deputies —Mr Robertson, who defeated Mr Field (Otaki), and Mir Payne, .who vanquished Mr Fowld's (Grey Ly.nn). The two Socialists and Mr Voiteh owe their success to a solid Opposition support, and it may be assumed that their gratitude will take the form of voting against the Government on a noconfidence motion. The Government may hope to hold to itself . the three Maori members who have yet to be returned, but it is plain that even if it saves as much as possible from the wreck it has only a slender chanoe of salvation." POSITION REVIEWED. THE POLITICAL SITUATION. (Fbom Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, December 16. The one thing- certain in connection with the present situation is that Sir Joseph Ward cannot possibly command a majority in the new House. Granting him every possible point in his favour, he must be in a minority, and already there *are indications that with the change of feeling expressed in the country Mr Massey will be able to command a working majority that will increase as the months go past. The pronouncement of Mr Russell came as a shook this morning to ardent Ministerialists here, and Mr Clark's classification as an Independent is also omnious. As a matter of fact. Mr Clark showed his independence in a very decided manner last session, and it was clearly evident to those who were closely watching- the trend of events that he was much more in sympathy with reform than with Wardism. The sympathies of Mr Buxton also must be more with Mr MassrVs party than with Sir Joseph Ward's. A good deal of importance is attached to th? attitude of the Labour men. It is clear that if they are to act in the interests ->f Labour they must support the Opposition as against the party that still holds the reins of Government. Three of them are absolutely pledged io xote against the it is to that fact that they owe their election. Mr Veitoh was opposed at Wanganui by all the forces of the Government. He himself refused to stand as a supporter of the Government,and he. paid the real issue was. Were they going to vote for a supporter of the present Government or for a Labour candidate pledged to turn the Government out? Mr Payne, who defeated Mr Fowlds. was satisfied after the first ballot that the Reform party would have a majority, and he accurately gauged the situation. He told the people that Mr Massey and hie party were far more true to democratic principles and would do infinitely more for the workers than the g : ngerbread aristocracy that had grown uo from Liberalism. Asked to further explain these remarks, Mr Payne said: " I believe that the Opposition is so anxious to clean up the terrible finance of this country, and that it realises what the Government realised too late—that the workers are a power behind the ballot box." These remarks were applauded. As to Mr Robertson, he was put in by the Opposition votes. The seat is really an Opposition one, and cannot be held by Mr Robertson if he votes against the Opposition. This leaves only Mr Hindmarsih to be considered. He is being classed by several newspapers as a supporter of Sir Joseph Ward, but he has been carelul not to express himself on that point. If he does throw in his lot with the

present Government there is no doubt that he will not be able to hold the seat for any length of time. Indeed, some of the Labourite;; are now beginning to realise that they have made a-mistake in displacing Mr Wright, the Opposition candidate, who was one of the truest friends of Labour in the last Parliament. Coming to the Independents, Mr Isitt, of course, will vote for the Government. He has not shown any real independence in Parliament, and from the moment he entered its walls he showed -a bias against reform —a bias that increased as the session went on. Mr Alassey and his party, however, would prefer not to have his support politically under any circumstances. Mr At more, of Nelson, who got moLt of the Opposition votes in that district, is pleoged to vote against the Government on the land question. Mr Cb&tos fought and defeated a Government supporter and so did Mr Rhodes, the other Independent. The former has. distinctly stated that he will not support the Government unless it has a majority, so his line of action is already settled. Mr Rhodes also has declared his independence of Ministerial control. Looking all these facts in tho face, it is quite plain that the Government cannot rely upon much support from either the Labourites or the Independents. They may look to the Maoris for more whole-souled support, but the Maori nowadays likes to be on tho winning side, and in any case one of the Maoris must get Mr Ngata's place in the new Administration. This may induce one or two of the three constituencies to return a Reform member, but on this point nothing definite can at present be stated. There is already some talk as to whether Sir Joseph Ward or Mr Millar will be the Loader of the new Oonosition in the House. Under all the circumstances the only course open to Sir Joseph Ward is (after the Maori elections) either to at once hand in his resignation to his Excellency the Governor or to summon Parliamnt to meet in January. Delay till June would now seem to be impossible. STRENGTH OF PARTIES. (Fbom Otra Own Cobbbsfondent.) WELLINGTON, December 16. The strength of parties in the country is shown only by the figures where Government and Opposition candidates fought out the issue. These figures give the Opposition 165,883 . votes and the Government 147,810 votes. They exclude the votes cast for the various candidates who, though not officially members of the Reform party, aro pledged to vote against the Government. Undoubtedly a great many more Opposition votes went to these candidate than to Government candidates. WILL OF THE PEOPLE. AUCKLAND, December 16. Sir James Carroll said to a representative of the Star that he accepted unreservedly the expression of the will of the people." He was convinced, however, that the confusion of 'rue issues and the inherent desire for change were the contributing factors. of the present situation. He was trying to read the signs of the times. One could see on the horizon the growing forces that were struggling to find expression—forces that, ence concentrated, must out distance anything yet accomplished in way of reform. Meanwhile, the other side had had their ranks strengthened by forces that could only be regarded as ephemeral. He anticipated a settlement of the differences that had arisen between Liberalism and Labour in regard to measures for the protection of their common interests The political situation was unquestionably a serious one, but the bonds uniting Liberalism and Labour were 'so firmly knit that no passing wave of discontent could in any way sever them. MAORI WESTERN ELECTORAL DISTRICT - 'NEW PLYMOUTH. December 16. At a meeting this morning of 150 Maoris of the Western Electoral district, it was unanimously resolved to supjaort Dr Pomare in the coming election, and to advise the Te 'Whiti people to also support him. MOVEMENTS OF OTAGO MEMBERS. The Hon. J. A. Millar, accompanied by Miss Millar, left Dunedin for Wellington by the second express on Saturday morning. Mr Millar was accorded a very hearty send-off by a large number of persons who were assembled on the station platform. Mr James Allen, M.P., is spending a week-end at Waikouaiti. On his return to Dunedin his attention will be occupied with a number of University matters. Mr JR. Scott, M.P., Otago. Central, left Dunedin on Saturday morning for Palmerston where ho purposes spending a oeupl© of days. Mr"W. Fraeer, M.P., Wakatipu, was a passenger by the second express for tho north on Saturday morning on his way to Wellington. RAILWAYMEN'S CANDIDATES. (Fbom Our Own- Correspondent. ) GREYMOUTH, December 18." At a meeting of the Westport branch of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants it was decided to ask Mr Mack for an explanation of bis action in supporting the Goveirniment candidate for Parnell, after the Government had done its best to defeat tho Labour candidate. A resolution was also carried congratulating Mr Veitch on his success at Wanganui. and also expressing the hope that his best efforts would be directed to improving the wage of the lowor-paid mem, who, under present conditions, found it impossible to make ends meet owing to the high cost of living and the low rate of wages-. THE POLITICAL SITUATION. MR MASSEY CAN CARRY ON. (From Our Own C6rresponx*nt.) WELLINGTON, December 18. There is little that is new in regard to the political situation, except that a groat many people who have been hitherto supporting the Government are already swing ing round. Quite a number of three have congratulated individual members of the Opposition, and now think that a change of Government will do good. The opinion that Mr Massoy will be ablo to carry on is gaining ground daily, especially as signs of internal discussion are becoming evident in the Government party. One Liberal member' says that Sir J. G. Ward must go, and that Mr Millar must take his place as the Leader cf the new Opposition. His argument is that it is Sir Joseph Ward and not the- party that is unpopular in the

country. In this, however, he would seem to be in error. Except in Canterbury and in Westland the' party was decidedly unpopular. In the country, and even in Canterbury, there are at last signs of a change. It ie expected that at lo;ist thres members on the Liberal side will before very long be found voting with the Opposition, and it is pointed out that there is no reason why they should not do so, sesing that Sir John Findlay himself, in one of his .most recent speeches, stated that there was practically no difference in policy between the Government and the Opposition. If three members swing round, this would mean a difference of six votes against the present Government. RESULT OF GREY LYNN CONTEST. MR MASSEY CONGRATULATED BY LABOUR. AUCKLAND, December 18. A reporter was informed to-night that Mr Payne's -majority in the secor.d ballot, for Grey Lynn is 38 votes. The actual figures will not be available until tomorrow. A deputation from the Auckland Labour party, headed by Mr C. Ingram (president) and Mr T. Welsh (secretary) waited on Mr W. F. Massey to offer him their official congratulations to him on the success of the Reform party at the polls. WELLINGTON EAST. The Dominion of Saturday last stated that all but 25 of the absent votes in Wellington East and a number of seamen's votes had been received. Forty-three of the absent votes were in favour of Dr Newman and nine were recorded for Mr M'Laren. Thirteen seamen voted in favour of Dr Newman and six for Mr M'Laren. These figures made the totals read as follows:—Dr Newman, 3766; Mr M'Laren, 3701. PRIME MINISTER'S FINAL APPEAL. WELLINGTON, December 12. The Prime Minister has issued the following manifesto to the electors of New Zealand : To-morrow it rests with you to decide ir> whose hands tho political, industrial, and social destinies of New Zealand shall rest for many years to come. The present campaign has been complicated by many cross issues. I desire now to put to you the real issue, tho only issue. It has been urged that 'the sole question is whether the present Government is to continue in office. I put it to you that this is not so. The only issue is whether the Liberal and Labour party or the Conservatives are to control the interests of the people. I ask you to brush aside all other considerations and decide that alone. You know what the Conservatives did when they were in office, but it is urged that you should ignore all that and look to the future, disregarding the past. This is absurd. By their fruits shall ye know them. Men do not pluck grapes from thorns, nor figs from, thistles. The record of the past is the best guide to the future. For many long years the Conservatives had unrestricted powers. What happened? They acquired the bulk of the land. They promoted little or no industrial or social legislation. They imposed heavy taxes, not direct on the land, but indirect through the Customs, the burden of which fell upon the workers. Wages fell and working men were paid 4s and 5s a day, and thousands were driven out of the country. In the public service they not only stopped promotions, but they imposed what practically amounted to a poll tax in the 10 per cent, reduction of salaries. Trade languished, deficits came year after year, and stagnation prevailed everywhere. AI! this was changed when the Liberal party came into its own. From that time was the era of progress and prosperity in New Zealand The combined forces of Liberal and Labour produoed that shining system of humanistic and social legislation which

I has made New Zealand en example to th« world. Deficits were replaced by surpluses and taxation through the Customs was enor< mously reduced. Emigration gave way to immigration. The workers were trained to . 'Union and organisation, thereby realising j their strength and the power to use it ; wisely. Railway communication was de- : veloped and cheapened. By compulsory ao- ; qusition and partly by the imposition of a strong graduated tax the lands were un- | locked to the people, and* as. a consej quenco, millions of acres, instead of b«Ji(| held in hugo areas ringed and shepherded, ' are now occupied in prosperous holdings by many thousands of families. Tho money lender, under whoso grip tho struggling settler was being slowly ' strangled, gave way to the system of cheap Uoyernment money. The worker, instead of being rack-rented in slums, was enabled v to become the builder and owner of hi< own homo. Sweating was grappled with, and the wage-earner, instead of being exposed to the ruthless competition of tin open market, was ensured a living wage, with respectable hours and healthy conditions of labour. Education was cheapened - and widened, and n clear way opened from the primary and private school to tho university for everyone who desired to walk in. Compensation for industrial accident was provided, and has proved itself of immense benefit to injured workers and their families. Moreover, by the system "of old-age pensions the sting of poverty and destitution in the declining years.of life was taken away. It was no class regulation, for in the country, ixx well as in the towns, the kindly influence of the Liberal policy asserted itself, and be it noted that all the great reforms have been effected without imposing burdens on the weak. The guiding principle has been that th/ose shall pay who are best able ta do so, and this, in the last analysis, is tha great crime of the Liberal administration in the eyes of the Conservatives. It is foi you to say what will happen if the chang« so loudly clamoured for is made. They assure you that even if they did oppos« those beneficent measures they now accept them, that their ideals are practically th« same as ours. Can you believe them? Ij it not an insult to your intelligence? I have every confidence in the calm judgment of tho people, and feel assured that the judgment given at the ballot on Thursday will not commit New Zealand to tha tender mercies of the party who, though I now masquerading as reformers, are the Conservatives of old. They may well h* believed when they say they wiil not ror peal these measuros. They dare not. But the question is: How would they administer them? They opposed them in the passing; can they be trusted to foster them now ? Remember that by administration an act may be rendered inoperative without the formality of repeal. It has been said that, granted all these good things were done in the past, there is no hope for the future, and that Liberalism is a spent force. Is it so ? Look at tho work of the last three years. National endowments to the extent of 9,000,009 ecres were set aside as a heritage for tho people of New Zealand for all timo. A National Provident Fumd was established; under which the wage-earners can protect themselves and their widows and children by inalienable annuities. The problem ofthe public debt was successfully solved by a system of sinking funds, which will auto* matically extinguish the whole of the debt, and this w-ithout imposing any appreciable burden upon the people. By the lan<s settlement finance scheme small groups of - settlers are enabled to purchase farms foe themselves with the assistance of the Government. By a system of special pension widows with children dependent upon theua have been treated with a liberality \m equalled in any country in the world. Bf the hydro-electrio power legislation tha forces now latent In the rivers of New Zealand will be harnessed to work our factories, thereby enormously increasing the productiveness and efficiency of Labour

and the prosperity of the country. Superannuation was provided for the public service—an inestimable boon to the servants of the State. Effective steps were taken to remove the commercial cancer of secret commissions and trade monopolies. The finance of local bodies was strengthened by a wise and generous system of Government leans. It will thus be seen from these few examples that in every department of State activity, commerce, finance, industrial development, and social improvement, theforces of the past are ' still m full and vigorous operation, proving conclusively that the mission of the great Liberal and Labour party is not yet occohipbshed nor its vitality exhausted. To-day the finances arc sound, trade is active, and the prestige of the future is bright with promise. 1 repeat one© more that the issue is mot between the Government and the. Opposition but between the Liberal and Labour policy as against the policy of the Conservatives. Speaking for myself, and for every other member of the present Government I say that the personnel of the Government is a matter of comparative unimportance. The one matter that is important is theprinciple on which the legislation and administration of the country. Shall proceed, Conservatism aggregating wealth in the hands of the few- or Liberalism diffusing it for the benefit of the many. Ladies and, gentlemen, the issue rests with you. Joseph Georoe Ward. Wellington, 12th December, 1911.

PROBLEM AWAITING .SOLUTION SYDNEY, December 18.

The Telegraph, commenting on the New Zealand political-situation, says it looks as though the people want a change, but are not quite certain in what direction. Unless the way to a workmanlike solution of the problem can- be found by a combination of the main parties, leaving the dissident elements to crystallise into position, these unattached sections may exercise a dangerous influence.