THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13316, 17 January 1912, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

THE PREMIER DECIDES. PARLIAMENT TO MEET NEXT MONTH. A STATEMENT TO THE ELECTORS [United Peess Association.] Wellington, Jan. 8. The Prime Minister has forwarded tho following statement to the Prest Association: — To the Electors of New Zealand,— I The present political situation lisa very difficult one. It i.=; not yet I three weeks since the return of the writs, and this period includes the Christmas and New Year holidays. I have during the short time at my disposal, fully inquired into the situation in all its bearings, and T have had assurances that on a want of confidence motion I should have a small majority. 1 have therefore been urged to defer calling Parliament together until tho ordinary time, or till the close of the financial year. 1 havo, however, fully considered the position, and 1 have-satisfied myself that it is th ewiser discharge of my duty that I should take the course lam to indicate. The two main parties are pnicticvally even, and a small independent section of members have thus the balance of power. I have all through been of opinion that ParKamant should deal with such a situation, and after tlie fullest and most careful consideration that I have given to tho matter I ha-vo finally concluded that Parliament should meet as early as practicable for that purpose. I shall therefore ask his Excellency the Governor to summon Parliament for Thursday, loth proximo. There is no necessity for me to/elaborate on the questions involved', excepting to say that in my opinion it is essential for the good and sound government of any country that the party in power should have a majority supporting it, and while neither of the principal parties can directly as a result of the elections claim that they have this, I feel that the course I have intimated is not only the1 constitutional one, but in the best interests of the people as a whole. JOSEPH GEORGE WARD.