THE PARTY TRUCE.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 15836, 5 June 1919, Page 4

THE PARTY TRUCE.

Quits a number of interesting" speculations are provoked by the cable sent by Mr Massey to Sir James Allen, with reference to the relations of the Liberal arid Reform parties. Mr Massey says that the Reform Party will be faithful to the truce till he and Sir Joseph Ward return to New Zealand, and adds that a progressive programme will be issued “should it then be decided to end the compact.” The quoted words bear the appearance of having some hidden meaning. Does Mr Massey flatter himself that the coalition will continue, or that there is a possibility of it doing so? The words,, “should it then be decided,” suggest as much, and indicate an expectation that the possibility 110 remote one. Perhaps Mr Massey has been misreported. Or it may be that Ills long absence from us has not enabled him to realise how very unpopular the coalition is. Meanwhile, the members of his own party, have made their own decision, and are actively electioneering despite the truce. Rumour, as is well-known, says they will talk very plainly to their leader when he comes back. Perhaps, however, their courage will fail them.