THE GENERAL ELECTION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 7, 18 December 1911, Page 5

THE GENERAL ELECTION.

FORECAST OF REFORM PARTY

CABINET.

MR. HIKE NOT INCLUDED. (Per Press Association.) Auckland, December 17. The “Herald” publishes the following forecast of a new Cabinet:— Mr. Massey, Prime Minister and Minister for Lands. Air. James Allen, Finance and Defence. Mr. Horrics, Railways and Native Affairs. Mr. Fraser, Public Works and Labour. Mr. Hcrdman, Education and Justice. Mr. R. Heaton Rhodes (Ellesmere), Postmaster-General. Mr. Buchanan, Agriculture. Among other probable Ministers the names of Messrs. Lang and Fisher aro mentioned, by the “Herald.” It is considered probable, however, that representation in the new Cabinet must 00 given to Taranaki. It is also probable that Hon. O. Samuel, M.L.C., will receive the Attorney-Generalship, also that Mr. Massey may appoint a Maori member as a member of the Executive. SIR JAMES CARROLL ACCEPTS THE VERDICT. INHERENT DESIRE FOR CHANGE Auckland, December 17. Sir James Carroll, in an interview, said ho accepted unreservedly die expression of the will of the people. Still, lie was convinced that confusion of the true issues and an inherent desire for change were contributing factors. In trying to read the signs of the times one could see on the horizon growing forces struggling to find expression, forces that once concentrated must outdistance anything yet accomplished in the way of reform. Meanwhile the other side had its ranks strengthened by forces that could only he regarded as ephemeral. He anticipated a settlement of the differences that had arisen between Liberalism and Labour in the protection of the common interest. The political situation was unquestionably serious, but the bonds uniting Liberalism and Labour were so firmly knit that no passing wave of discontent could in any way sever them. THE HON. FOWLDS’ VIEW OF HIS DEFEAT. MENTAL EBERRATION. Auckland, December 17. Hon. George Fowlds, in the course of an interview, said, “My own defeat is merely the result of a passing wave of mental aberration. If the new Parliament could only unite to pass into law a proportional system of representation, and then dissolve, it would make itself memorable in tho history of New Zealand. The condition of parties gives one no hope of a stable government except by moans of political deals and intrigues which would Lc dangerous to the country. Personally,Tam neither sad nor downhearted yat the result of my own elec-tion-contest, or at the; result of the elections generally. I intend to ]oiu at i once (with, others in : [organising; a real Labour-Liberal party oh the democratic basis of a baromajonty.” SIR MAURICE O'RORKE’S VIEWS. Auckland, December 17. Sir Maurice OTiorke, 1 * 1 interviewed, said ha.had Lnowp,instances at Home where tho Government of the day, having a sweeping majority against It at the elections, resigned immediately before Parliament met, but where the margin between tie two parties was small, it was the custom to wait till Parliament reassembled. The first business rvas to elect a Speaker. He had known that appointment used for a trial of .strength between the parties. In view of Sir Arthur Guiness’ popularity, however, he thought Mr. Massey would takb the first opportunity subsequent to the Speaker's election to challenge the Government’s position- 0.1 a noconfidence motion. * SYDNEY “TELEGRAPH” MAKES A GUESS. COALITION SUGGESTED. (Received 18, 9.20 a.m.) Sydney, December 18. The “Telegraph,” commenting on the New Zealand political situation, says: “It exceeds any margin an elastic imagination could have allowed, for it looks as though tho people want a change, but are not quite certain in what direction, unless a way to the workmanlike solution of the problem can be found in a combination of tne main parties, leaving the dissident elements to crystallise into the opposition. The unattached sections may exercise a dangerous influence.