THE PREMIER DECIDES.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13308, 9 January 1912, Page 2

THE PREMIER DECIDES.

PARLIAMENT TO, MEET NEXT

MONTH

A STATEMENT TO THE ELECTORS

[United Pkess Association.]

Wellington, Jan. 8. The Prime Minister has forwarded the following statement to the Press Association:—

To the Electors of Xew Zealand, —

The present political situation is a very difficult one. It is not yet three weeks since the return of the writs, and this period includes tho Christmas and New Year holidays. I have during the short time at my disposal fully inquired into the situation in all its bearings, and 1 Jiavo had assurances that on a want of confidence motion I should have a small majority. I have therefore been urged to defer calling Parliament together until the ordinary time, or till the ck>se of the financial year. I have, however, fully considered the position, and 1 have satisfied myself that it is til cwiser discharge of my duty that I should take the course I am to indicate. The two main parties are practicvally even, and a small independent section of members have thus the balance .of power. I have all through been of opinion that Parliament should deal with such a sitiui, tion, and after the fullest and most careful consideration that 1 have given to tho matter I have finally concluded that Parliament should meet as early as practicable for that purpose. I s h a |l therefore ask his Excellency tho Governor to summon Parliament ior Thursday, loth proximo ihere is no necessity for me to elaborate on the questions involved, excepting to say that in my opinion it is essential for tlie good and sound o-o-vcrnment of any country that The party m poivor should have a maiorl itv supporting it, and while neither of the principal parties can directly as a result ol the emotions claim that hey have this 1 feel that the course 1 hav ( > intimated is not oiilv the constitutional one, but in the best interests ot the people as a whole.

JOSEPH GEORGE WARD