POLITICAL SITUATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3714, 19 May 1925, Page 24

POLITICAL SITUATION.

NEW PRIME MINISTER. SIR FRANCIS BELL APPOINTED. PARTY MEETING TO BE CALLED WELLINGTON, May 14. After the conclusion of the funeral obsequies the Hon. Sir Francis Bell waited on his Excellency the GovernorGeneral at Government House, and was duly sworn in as Prime Minister. On his return to Parliament House the new Prime Minister issued the following statement to tho press: Mr Massey had for many years held unquestioned supremacy in the Government and in his party within and without the walls of Parliament. Until his health recently so seriously failed that it became evident that his recovery was hopeless no question had ever arisen of succession to his place, and thenceforward so long os his lifo lasted the discussion of that question was silenced by common consent. The death of the Prime Minister, though it does not automatically terminate the actual tenure of the other members of the Government and the Executive Council, creates at once the right, end indeed

the duty, of the Crown in England or the representative of the Grown in the dominion to call upon some person to take that oflice, the holder of which has special constitutional functions and duties. Until the members of the party in the House of Representatives which had placed the Ministry in power could be duly consulted and themselves choose their leader it was not possible for his Excellency to select, or for Ministers (if their advice was asked), to name to his Excellency the member of the party who should, by the common consent of all, finally take Mr Massey’s place as leader and head of the Government. His Excellency was pleased to communicate with me, and to accept my advice that the surviving members of the Government should for the present be confirmed in their respective offices. His Excellency was also pleased to appoint nit* to be Prime Minister, and so to continue the official duties which I have recently, as on various previous occasions, been called upon to undertake during Mr Massey's lifetime. The offices of Minister of Finance and Minister of Stamp Duties were held byMr Massey, and have become vacant by his death. His Excellency has '»een pleased to appoint the Hon. William Norworthy to both offices. A meeting of those members of the House of Representatives who have supported Mr Massey’s Government during the present Parliament will be convened at a very early date, and that meeting will be asked to choose the party leader m - the House and in the country. I will then tender to his Excellency the resignation of the Government, and if his Excellency thinks fit then to ask my advice I shall be in a position to speak confidently on behalf of the party and to name the leader to whom it is desired that the duty of forming a new Reform Government should be entrusted. OPPOSITION PARTIES. WELLINGTON, May 14. The Liberal Party met to-day, and will meet again to-morrow. It has made no announcement yet. Most of the members of the Labour Party were in Wellington to-day to attend the funeral, but it was ascertained that they were not holding a meeting immediately, and one of the party said that the situation which had arisen did not really affect their position or plans. THE NEW GOVERNMENT. HON. SIR FRANCIS BELL, Prime Minister, Attorney-General, Minister of External Affairs, and Leader of the Legis lative Council. HON. W. NOSWORTHY, Minister of Finance, Minister of Stamp Duties, Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Immigration, and Minister in charge of Tourist and Health Resorts and Legislative Departments. HON. J. G. COATES, Minister of Rail ways, Minister of Public Work;., Minister of Native Affairs, Postmaster-General and Minister of Telegraphs, Minister in charge of Native Trust, Roads, and Public Buildings. HON. SIR C. J. PARR, Minister of Education, Minister of Justice, Minister in charge of Police and Prisons DejKirtments. HON. G. J. ANDERSON, Minister of Labour, Minister of Mines, Minister of Marine, Minister in charge of Pensions. Printing and Stationery, and Inspector of Machinery-. HON. SIR R. HEATON RHODES, Minister of Defence, Commissioner of State Forests, Minister \n charge of War Pensions, Government Life and Accident Insurance, State Fire Insurance, National Provident Fund, Friendly Societies, and Public Service Superannuation Funds. HON. W. DOWNIE STEWART, Minister of Customs, Minister of Industries and Commerce, and Minister in charge of Board of Trade. HON. SIR MAUI POM ARE, Minister of Health, Minister for Cook Islands, Minister in charge of Hospitals and Charit able Aid Departments and Mental Hospitals, Member of tho Executive Council representing the Native Race. HON. R. F. BOLLARD, Minister of internal Affairs, Minister in charge of High Commissioner’s Office and of Audit, Museum, Registrar-General’s, Census and Statistics. Laboratory and Advertising Departments. HON. A. D. M’LEOD, Minister of Lands, Minister in charge of Land for Settlements, Discharged Soldiers’ Settlement, Scenery Preservation and Repatriation Departments. , HON. D. H. GUTHRIE, Member of the Executive Council without portfolio. . POSSIBILITIES DISCUSSED. (From Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, May 15. The political situation is very much in the air. Rumour and guessing are afloat in abundance, but there is n dearth of anything definite as to what, the immediate future holds. Many are forecasting. Others more cautious and more sophisticated politically are dismissing the subject with a wave of the hand. Sir Francis Pell is the new Prime Minister, and round him ns n Cabinet he has drawn the former Ministers, oolleagues of his old chief. By these gentlemen the business of the country is being enrried on, and will bo carried on at least till tho pending meeting of tho dominant party in the House, the Reform Party. At that meeting an attempt will be made to find n lender. A lender found, Sir Francis 801 l will resign, and the Governor-General will bo advised to send for the chosen leader The resignation of Sir Francis 801 l will involve the resignation of the Bell Government, and the new Prime Minister will be requested to form a Cnbinet. If he adopts the usual course he will ask for ft few days' ♦imo in whioh to make his selection. The question is, Who will the new lender be? * All New Zealand wants to know, and half New Zealand has an opinion about it, but no one nt all knows. To suggest that there is anything cut and dried, as some suggest, it absurd. To say that tho

opinions of those who have to make the choice differ widely is correct. It is useless for any of the partisans to endeavour to escape the fact that the man most frequently mentioned in this capital is Mr (outes, but the mere reiteration of his name may avail him nought when the momentous caucus sits there. Those who desire him will have to be strong enough numerically to out-vote the followers of Mr Stewart, who is in America restoring hia health; Mr M‘Leod, the junior member of the Cabinet, who may be in greater request than some people imagine; Mr Noswortliy, who is the senior member of the Cabinet; and perhaps someone to-day undreamt of; and if no other solution presents itself to the meeting might not Sir Francis Bell remain at the nelm? The date of the meeting of the Reform Party is not announced, but it is understood that » f will bo in a few weeks’ time. Coalition possibilities are being discussed. Thero is no likelihood of a coalition before the election. It is gathered on good authority that there are about 30 of the Reform members against a coalition and about seven in favour of it. The Liberals, as far as can be ascertained, mostly are against a coalition. If it comes it will be after the December poll. Discussing a coalition one gentleman who lias sat in the House for many years, and knows politics exceedingly well, expressed tho opinion that there was no possibility of it before the next election. Minister* are not likely to favour it,” he said, "ns some of them would have to relinquish their portfolios to make rorin for some of the members of the other party to the fusion. Members would hot like it. as it would take from them the possibility of their filling a vacancy.” Another view was that it would not be an ea6y task to find a leader. ‘‘Apart from that of Sir Francis Bell,’’ ho contended, “no name stands out in anything approaching the manner in which Mr Massey’s name stood out, but if Sir Francis Bull were to attempt to carry on who would lead the House? I don’t • hink the House would toleruie that position anyhow.” An opinion that is held by some members is that Sir Francis Bell will go out of office and out of politics as soon as the present position is satisfactorily straightened out. It was rumoured in the city to-day that Sir Heaton Rhodes, who is Minister of !>efence in the Bell Ministry, is resigning. This was put to the Prime Minister, who said it was not correct. However, Sir Heaton Rhodes has announced his intention of retiring from politics at the end of this year, so it will not be surprising if upon the formation of any new Cabinet in the course of a little while he takes the opportunity to drop out of Ministerial office. Such an action besides perhaps suiting Sir Heaton would make the way easier for the new Prime Minister, who will have ifar too few portfolios to go round the \nnny who will consider them* .selves entitled to them. “There is this to be said for Sir Francis Bell carrying on,” said another member who has spent several terms in Parliament. ‘ His is the one name among the Reformers which stands out. There wili bo no coalii tion just yet. Some of tl»e Liberals may be willing to give way, but not so a majority of them. They are for seeing the thing through. It was pointed out in Mr Coates’s favour as against Mr Stewart and others that he has what is regarded as a safer seat. By this it was meant that If lie were appointed there would bo less fear of the Prime Minister being defeated at tho next election than there would be in the case of some of the others. Frequently Prime Ministers have been drawn from country constituencies, and not from city seats. The position of the Independents Messrs A. Bell (Bay of Islands), G. Witty (Rici carton), and L. M. Isitt (Christchurch) was raised. Mr Bell was approached. He 'liformed a reporter that there had been no meeting of the Independents, but stated his own position, saying: “Any pledge l gave I shall honour to the end of my political term. In the case of a vote of noconfidence in the Government, to which vote was attached the question of extreme Labour coming into power, I shall give n.y vote to the Government. I take it that thu pledge I gave does not die with Mr Massey.** It i.j believed that the attitude of the othaf Independents is much the same as that announced by Mr Bell. It may be noticed ,-hat Mr Bell’s allusion is only to the possibility of the accession to power of Extreme Labour. The Hon. W. Nosworthy yesterday took up the duties of Minister of Finance and Minister in Charge of Stamp Duties. Sir Francis Bell, the new Prime Minister, is not occupying the office for many years used by Mr Massey, but remains in hi* old room on the first floor of the old Government portion of Parliament House. Mr F. D. Thomson continues as secretary to the Prime Minister—a position he held all the time Mr Massey was in office. Mr .leffery remains as assistant secretary, and Mr J. H. Macalister still is attached in his secretarial capacity to the staff of Sir Francis Bell. Tho Liberal Party met again to-day. After the meeting Mr YVilford said: “I have no information to give,” he said, “nothing at all.” Mr Wilford was asked if his party was going to put up a candidate for tho FYanldin seat. “I have no information to give,” was his answer. “Labour has not had a formal meeting,’* stated Mr Holland shortly before boarding the ferry steamer for Lyttelton last evening. “and I have nothing official to intimate.” Mr Holland was asked the question whether Labour would contest the Franklin seat. “I cannot make any statement on that at tho moment,” he said, “but in any case the position with us is that the people within the electorate have the right of saying whom they shall put up to contest a seat.” Tho position in the House at the time Of tlie lust election was interesting. Roform was the strongest party, but its majority was small, and it was dej>endent on tho support of the three Independents* who could have swung the balance the other way by changing their voting. FUSION OF PARTIES URGED. CHRISTCHURCH, May 15. The Lyttelton Times this morning, referring to the situation oroated by the doath of Mr Massey, says: “A revision of the party grouping is one of the probabJo developments of the near future. Tho ftp«M*ches of Reform members and Liberal! indicate that they agree concerning tho main needs of the country, and common sens© suggests that an effort be made to find the basis for a new National Liberu Party.” The journal believos that auoh basis already exists, and the main line* of

policy could be written almost at k moment i notice. MU ATMORES STRONG PLEA WELLINGTON, May 16. In a press interview on the political situation Mr il. Atmore. M I', for Nelson, said that since the war, condition* had arisen in New Zealand which icquired the earnest patriotic consideration of uil ti.ose who were prepared to place the interests ol the people above those of party. The patriotism of the people was equal to the necessities of war time, and as the difficulties of reconstruction were infinitoiy greater 1 lian those presented by the war. it was no less urgent that the fine national spirit demonstrated during the war should not be obstructed by the selfish claims of party interests or be made subservient to personal claims to Ministerial office. “Phrases did not win the war,’’ said Mr Atmore. “neither did manoeuvring for party advantages, and it is certain that party platitudes and generalities cannot solve the problems of peace. 1 believe that the people are weary of petty party squabbles vvmch obscure the great issues and blind the people to the realities of the situation. Individual ambition and place-seeking must be .-swept aside if the people are to get that national service which is so essential to meet the needs of the people a whole, lhe nation will demand from the member! of Parliament an explanation cf the true reasons for their actions. Jf national considerations are set aside and party interests reign supreme, and if the present front men are so obsessed with the desire to secure or retain office that they cannot rise to higher considerations, then the rank and file must assert themselves, lhe passing of the Prime Minister has removed the most prominent figure from Parliament and left the Reform Government much weaker in consequence, and with a full knowledge of the personal capacity of each member of the House of Representatives I unhesitatingly assert that not any of the existing parties singly can form a Government to give that national service which the spirit of the times requires and to which the people are justly entitled. Economic conditions are continually changing, and the reforms which must come can be carried out only by men who are loyal and courageous, and' who, proceeding along sound evolutionary lines, can not only introduce new legislation but explain and defend it if necessary, both in the House and on the public platform. A Government of weak men and a policy of negation will not do, and can only play into the hands of the revolutionary party—those extremists whose policy is based on the fallacies of the Marxian doctrine which assuredly spells destruction and does not make for that sound construction so os.sential for evolving order out of the chaotic conditions of the present. “No mere fusion of names will do, and with my knowledge of the party system I am sure that no one party will agree, tobe absorbed by the ether. A i.ew meeting ground must be managed and a national party must be formed not only in name but in a spirit of service and a true appreciation of the country’s iequircments. lam sure that the ma jority of electors, whether in the Reform. LiberalLabour, or sane Labour camp, is opposed to that revolutionary Socialism which haa been promulgated through the dominion recently, but mere opposition is not suflG dent. An exposure of the fallacies is required, and a sane progressive policy mu3t be evolved and carried out by loyal an.l able men standing for justice for til; eoc« tions of the community as against class rule. ‘ A platform effort is required, and iq this connection may I express the hops ihat the current rumour that Messrs Hanan and Tsitt are retiring is not correct. The dominion caiinot afford to loss flie services of two of its most eloquent and incisive speakers. The opportunity i.o form a Government is here. Parlia* mentary patriotism should not allow it to pass. If it does members will lie called to account by tlicir constituents, and •Little New Zealanders’ wifi pay the penalty." The Liberal Leader (Air T. M. Wilford£ bad no statement to make to-day regarding the Liberal-Labour Party's attitude to the present situation. As a result of the meeting of the party executive yesterday he announced that Messrs .1. Horn (Wakatipu) and A. J. Murdoch (Marsden) had been elected to the executive of the party. Questioned to-day concerning his pending retirement from politics, the Minister of Defence (Sir IL Heaion Rhodes) said that he was ready to relinquish his portfolio at any time. Whether he would retire before the conclusion of the coining session of Parliament, he said, depended upon the new’ Prime Minister. “At the moment,’* fie added, “we don’t know who is going to tie Prime Minister.” MR WITTY’S PLEDGE. WELLINGTON, Mav 10. Mr Witty, the member for Riccarton, oca of the three members who have voted with the Government, though not pledged to the Reform Party, was asked if he would maintain this attitude under the changed leadership. He replied that he would give his pledge to the new Prime Minister that he will not support any motion which would result In a Government coming inti) office which would be dependent in an/ way on the Labour Party or subject to its nictation. STANDING BY THEIR PLEDGES. WELLINGTON, May 17. In addition to Mr Witty, Colonel Bell and Mr Isitt said that in anv ynh» nf confidence in the Government, to which waa rttached the question of extreme imbo »r corning into power they would vote with the Government. Mr Bell said: “1 take it Ihat the pledge I gave Joes not die with Mr Massey.” STEWART-COATES MINISTRY AN INTERESTING SUGGESTION. (From Ou.r Own Correspondent.) AUCKLAND, May 16. In connection with the selection of % leader of the Reform Party the New Z e<w> la.nl Herald makes, suggestions in view of the party*! probable difficulty in deciding between Mr Downie Stewart and Mr CoAtes. The paper nay*: “Consideration ray be given to a solution which would jive virtually equal status to both men* t is suggested by the precedent of the Ministry of 1884-87, in which Sir Julius V ogol was given precedence over the Prim# Minister, Sir Rooert Stout. The circum* •dances which dictate that modification ol me Crime Minister! status do not exuft

at present, except that the state of Mr Stewart’s health must ho considered; but there are others which will commend the idea of recognising and securing the ideal combination which Mr Stewart and Mr Coates would form by tiie association of their complementary qualifications.” Continuing, the Herald says: “Ihe whole of the duties of the Prime Minister’s office have become too great for one. man, and further than that, an arrangement such as suggested would facilitate the attendance of the Prime Minister at Imperial Conferences. The need for some such arrangement in respect of Imperial affairs will probably become imperative, and since it would have other advantages the reconstruction of the Ministry appears to be a favourable opportunity. 'lhere would be les9 difficulty in nominating the Prime Minister since either a Stewart-Coates or a Coates-Stewart Ministry might be expected tO f function with success and distinction.” Ihe Auckland Star says: '‘lt is generally accepted that the choice lies between Mr Downie Stewart and Mr Coates. Were the former physically fit, there would probably be no doubt about the party’s decision. Leaving- Sir Francis Bell out of account, Mr Stewart is intellectually the ablest man in the Cabinet. lie has al ways been a student of politics and economics. He has had considerable parliamentary experience, and he has the typo Jf mind required in the leader of the House. I here is also this important consideration, which wo hope the party will bear in mind, that Mr Stewart has studied Empire questions and foreign affairs, and would make an admirable representative of New Zealand at Imperial Conferences. Mr Coates, on the other hand, has a physical vigour that Mr Stewart lacks. He has won a deserved reputation as an energetic reformer in two great departments. He has ideas and courage, and these qualities of his have impressed the' popular mind. From all this, however, it does not follow that he would be a success as head of the party and the Government. His intellectual limitations are probably considerable, and he has not shown any marked aptitude for parliamentary leadership. The choice will be made with Mr Stewart out of the country, which is bound to tell against him. Muoh, however, mav depend upon latest reports of his health.” THE FRANKLIN SEAT. POSSIBILITIES DISCUSSED. AUCKLAND, May 16. Reform opinion at Pukekohe seems very solidly to support the movement to send Mr J. N. Massey to Parliament as its representative in place of his late father. The people of Pukekohe declare that they fully realise that Pukekohe is not the whole of the Franklin electorate, but they say that so far as they are concerned “Jack Massey will do them.” Other parts of the electorate, they admit, have every right to put farward the man they think best fitted to be the Reform candidate, but they urge that “Mr Massey’s seat should be for the son of his father.” The Auckland Star says that Mr Massey was interviewed by Mr Perkins, of Pukekohe and others after the funeral in Wellington, and it is understood that although no definate answer was given the Pukekohe committee has a pretty good idea that its wishes will be complied with. It is also understood that Ministers gave assurance of their support of the proposal that young Mr Massey should be put forward as the successor-elect of his father. However, Mr Massey’s decision is not yet definite. It is admitted that he may even be compelled to decline the offer of nomination as his farm requires constant attention. Mr Perkins has made the following statement: —“We consider that out of respect to the memory of the late Prime Minister there is only one man in the world who should be elected in the meantime at any rate. It would be a fitting tribute of respect to the late Mr Massey to allow 7 his son to enter Parliament as the representative of Franklin absolutely unopposed. It is quite likely that there will be a general election in the course of a few weeks at least. CBRainly there will be a general election in the next few months. Then, we consider, the road will be open to all and sundry who would like to give it a go.” In the meantime there is a movement at Papakura to put the Rev. W. C. Wood (Anglican) forward as the Reform candidate. Mr Wood has been actively connected with local politics for some years. Mr Massey’s supporters declare that despite the modest and retiring disposition which they claim for him his control of meetings as chairman and his conduct in debate show that he is capable of coming forward even to the extent, they believe, of becoming as ureat a man as bis father. He is between 38 and 40 years of age. COUNTRY PARTY IN TIIE FIELD. AUCKLAND, May 16. The Country Party has decided to contest the Franklin seat. It is stated that the selection of a candidate will be made in a few days. SIR FRANCIS BELL. CONGRATUL VTTONS FROM HIS OLD SCHOOL. Mr W. J. Morrell (rector of the Otago Boys’ High School) telegraphed as fallows to Sir Francis Bell on Friday 9 “While deploring with you the loss of our great national leader, your old school offers heartiest congratulations to the first native-born Prime Minister of New Zealand.” On Saturday Mr Morrell received the following reply from Sir Francis Bell: “I deeply appreciate the kind congratulations conveyed in your messngo from my old school, and I count ;t as one of my most valued tributes, coming from you and the school to one of its early members.” FURTHER CONGRATULATIONS. The Dunedin Manufacturers’ has forwnrded a telegram to Sir Francis Bell congratulating him on his havin" been appointed Prime Minister, and on the formation of n Ministry.