THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13308, 8 January 1912, Page 2

THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

IDLE RUMOURS AT CHRIST-

CHURCH

MR ISI'JLTS ATTITUDE,

[United Press Association.]

Chrfstchurch, Jan 7

Statements wore published locally that all kinds of intriguing was taking place to induce members of the Opposition to abjure their allegiance and to join the ranks,,of the Government followers, and that Mr L. M. Isitt, M.P., had been the intermediary of a tempting offer to a prominent member of the Opposition, who was ottered nothing less than the position of Minister of Railways in a reconstructed Cabinet. Inquiries mado in Christchureh to-day in regard to these statements show that they aroao out of harmless jokes made without any significance whatever,' and without the slightest semblance or pretence of authority from Sir Joseph Ward.

Mr Isitt, interviewed, stated that he did not have a conversation with any member of the Opposition thac could by the. wildest flight of imagination be construed into an offer of a place in the Ministry.

Sir Arthur Guinness stated that his conversation with Mr P. M. JB. Fishor M.P., was simply a jocular allusion as to which Cabinet Mr Fisher would bo inclined to join.

Mr Fisher stated that theio was nothing in it. No offer whatever was mad'? referring to his attendance at a caucus of Government members.

Mr Isitt states that at Sir Joseph Ward's invitation ho had attended the caucus hold in Christchurch last week. He felt it a duty to himself and his constituents and the country that he, as an ardent Liberal, should express his opinion as to what ought to bo done in the present circumstances, but he did not vote on any proposition placed before the caucus, and he drew tho attention of those present to the fact that ho was there as an Independent. At the same time he assured Sir Joseph Ward that Sir Joseph might rely upon the fact that he would do all in his power to keep tho Opposition out, while still retaining absolute freedom from any pledge to either Sir Joseph or the Government. Ho wished to state.definitely that he was not in Sir Joseph Ward's confidence, and ho did not at present know what action Sir Joseph intended to take. He had not the remotest idea as to whom Sir Joseph intended to take into his Ministry or keep out. Any opinion he might hold, like tho opinion of the man at the street corner, was based simply upon his own intuition.

According to a telegram from Wanganui, published in the "Dominion," Mr Veitch, tho Labour M.P. for Wanganui, was offered personally by Sir Joseph Ward, and refused Cabinet rank. It is alleged that the offer included the portfolio of Labour, and that Railways went with it.

Tlie political situation continues to bo entertaining and instructive. The virtuous attitude of each side to itself and its superior indignation over the wickedness of its opponent is eyn'ical amusement for "the non-partisan "Both Ward Party and Massoy Party are keen for office. Success largely depends uj on diplomacy. It is a con*eVrfc °Ovi^; For ourselves (the -.laordand Worker") we arc careless of the issue. The chief concern is that men elected in the name of Labour or Socialism shall emerge unsullied from the squabble. Nofthor \Yard nor Massey is anything to them Independence is tho hope.