THE PREMIERSHIP.

Colonist, Volume XLVIII, Issue 11668, 2 July 1906, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE PREMIERSHIP.

MR. HALL- JONES SUMMONED TO FORM CABINET. j i Wellington/June 12. The Hon. Hall-Jones was sent for by the Governor this morning, and was asked to form a Cabinet. It was decided to wait until after the funeral of Mr Seddon. ! Mr Hall-.Jones, Acting Premier, has handed the folio wing statement to the Presa for publication: — "The constitutional position has been carefully considered, and there is no doubt as to the eourße. which should be followed. A Prime Miniafcer must be appointed, and must nioet Parliament. His Excellency has done me the honor to request me to take the position, and in the circumstances I consider it my duty to accept. Though quite unfettered as to my action, I hace informed his Excellency as to the course which I feel myself in honor bound to follow. The position is that Sir Joseph Ward, who in the ordinary course would have been sent for, is out of the Colony. in his absence there must, be a Premier. I believe the people of New Zealand have confidence in my desire and resolve to do that which is in accordance with their wishes, and the distates of my own honor. Sydney, June 13. The "Sydney Morning Herald." in an article on tho political situation in New Zealand caused by the death of Mr Seddon, says that* Mr HallJones is merely a stop gap, and regards Sir Joseph Ward as Mr Seddon's successor. The paper adds: — "Sir Joseph Ward's long association with the late Prime! Minister must, count for much, but j if Mr W. P. Reeves, now High Commissioner, would return to politics, he might be a formidable competitor The question naturally arises whether Sir Joseph Ward can carry the burden Mr Seddon has laid down to the limit which seemed to have been set only by Mr Seddon's continued willingness to bear it had Mr Seddon lived. It might be that the death will hasten the appearance of si new foree — tho organised Labor Party. Sir Joseph Ward may find himself sooner or later face to face with a three-party system."