POLITICAL PARTIES.

Colonist, Volume LVII, Issue 13826, 22 July 1915, Page 3

POLITICAL PARTIES.

(Feom our own Coreespondent.)

Wellington. July 21. - Oppositionists further discussed ,tho coalition proposal to-day, reaching a decision which Sir Joseph Ward will communicate to the head of the Go-, v eminent before making ah announcement. Sir iJqseph declined to make a Press statement, yet your correspohddent is satisfied from other indications that the Opposition, is unanimous in adherirm.to its former decision that its assistance can bo best rendered to tho Government if the powers of the Secret i Defence -.Committee are extended. durintr the war to enable the 4.dmmistratioli more effectively-to deal with problems of the- crisis. ... . ~ When the Opposition decision is disclosed, if will be found that Sir Joseph Ward's striking speech in the .JJcmse of Representata'/es early tins Morning <mos tho key to the whole'position. Ho and the rest, of tho Opposition 'are absolutely willing to ioi'sako'lparty ties so as vo enable Parliament as a whole to devote all its effort, and intelligence to the prosecution of au effective war policy controlled by r> trastwortny bccrot.'Defence Committee. Tlia latest statement front Mr Masse? respecting national Cabinei. prospects was made in tho tlouso of llepiesoiitatives to-rla ' in answer to a qucflaon by Mr E. Neuman, who asked what stops. if any, toe Pi'imo MAiu'st^r had taken. "Tlio matter is still under consideration, and no statement such, as suggested ■■;.in be made at present, . replied Ih; Alcsscy.