THE STOP-GAP MINISTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3034, 8 May 1912, Page 3

THE STOP-GAP MINISTRY.

SCUTTLING BY MUTINEERS. LFboh Oob Own Cobresfondzkt.) WELLINGTON, May I. The Post, referring to the recent speech of the Hon. Mr Buxton in South Canterbury, the broken pledge by which Sir Joseph Ward was able to "save his face," and the dissension that has made itself apparent in the Government party, says :—" We predicted at the time that this triumph would prove to have been very dearly purchased, and the truth, of this prophecy was obvious long before Mr Buxton held out what some will regard as an olive branch add others as the white flag. The Ward Government escaped defeat with the add of the Speaker's casting vote, but it bequeathed a dire legacy of woe to its successor. After weeks 01 wire-pulling and heartburning a xxenr Ministry was evolved which, it was quite obvious must founder in the first big political storm, but now it looks qs ' though the ship might be sent to the bottom without putting Mr storm-raining powers to the test. Instead of awaiting the honourable shock of the tempest she may be ingloriously scuttled I by a mutinous crew,.'*