THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LX, Issue 143808, 5 June 1912, Page 2

THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

MEETING OF THE REFORM PARTY. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) AVELLINGTON, Juno 4. The fact that the Reform Party is meeting in Wellington at present adds interest to the political situation, and there are more rumours than over in too air. Tho evening paper publishes and comments on some of these, but a.s a matter of fact they are vert* wide of tiie mark. The meeting of the Refona Party was largely attended, and as the tew absentees had given reasons, expressing regret, for their unavoidable absence, every member of the party was accounted far. The meeting of the party is a strictly private one. Air. Aiassey and the inembears of the party wear a cheerful look that is in strange contrast to the gloom that appears to have settled clown on the disintegrated remains <n the Liberal Party. They seem quite satisfied that they will got enough support to secure office and be quite independent of the pledge-breakers. Members generally express the opinion that the present caucus is the best and most satisfactory caucus that has been held by the party for twenty years. The business will take ail day tomorrow, and may not be finished even then.

A rumour that Alessrs. Alycrs, Manan, and MacDonald wero likely to be allied with, the Massey party before very long was mentioned to the Hou< Afr. Laurenson to-day. He replied in characteristic fashion: “It is a cruel thing to say that those gentlemen would be low enough to associate themselves with the Opposition.” Air. Massey’s remark on the point was that hq. at all events, could not bo held guilty of any such cruelty, seeing that no overtures to tho Alihisters mentioned hud gone from him. AIR. MILLAR'S ILLNESS. / Much sympathy is evinced with Mr. J. A. Aiillar in his illness, which, it is hoped, will be only of a temporary nature.