News of the Dominion

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVIII, Issue 2, 10 July 1912, Page 4

News of the Dominion

Liberal Party Defeated. Crisis in New Zealand Politics — Mackenzie Ministry Totters. End of a Continuous Administration — Defections from the Liberal Ranks. After being in power for 22 years, the Liberal Government was defeated on Saturday morning on a want -of - eonSdence motion, moved by Mr. W. F. Massey, Leader of the Opposition. When the results of the last general election were made known, it was apparent that the two parties in the House were almost of even strength. With a view to testing the real strength of the parties, Parliament was summoned to an early season in February last. A want-of-confidenee motion was then introduced by Mr. Massey, and. after a debate lasting a fortnight, the motion was defeated by 40 votes to 38. Parliament then adjourned until June 28, and Sir Joseph Ward having resigned, the Hon. Thcs. Mackenzie was called upon to form a Ministry. The reopening of Parliament last week was the occasion for an immediate notice of a want of confidence motion by Mr. Massey, and the first division has given the Leader of the Opposition a majority of eight votes, the figures being 41 to 33. This means that six members did not record their votes. The Government met the House presumably stronger by two votes, since Mr. Wilford had returned from England and Mr. Veitch, the Labour member for Wanganui, had fulfilled his pledge to vote against the Ward Administration, and was free to now support Mr. Mackenzie. The Opposition was also the weaker by the loss of Mr. Herries’ vote, owing to his absence from the Dominion, though the. Government offered a pair if required. The Leadbr of the Opposition was apparently sure of his position, and when the critical division was taken he was followed into the ayo lobby by five members who last February voted with the Liberal Government. These gentlemen were the Hon. J. A. Millar, and Messrs. E. H. Clark (Port Chalmc.s), Vernon Reed (Bay of Islands), Gordon Coates (Kaipara), and T. W. Rhodes (Thames). The Government was also weakened by the absence from the House of the Hon. Roderick McKenzie (Motueka), who had declared himself against the Government, and abstained from voting, and Hon. A. T. Ngata (Eastern Maori). Mr. J. Craigie (Timaru) and Mr. E. P. Lee cOainaru) paired, and were net in the House when the division was taken, while the vote of the Speaker (Sir A. R. Guinness) was also lost to the Government, the margin between the votes being such as not to require the casting of his vote. The leader of the defeated party lost no time in sending in his resignation, along with that of his colleagues, and on Saturday evening the Governor (Lord Islington) sent for Mr. Massey, who intimated that he was prepared to undertake the responsibility of forming a Ministry. An adjournment has been granted to enable the new Government to prepare for the work of the session, which will probably continue its usual length.

First Taste of Defeat. The debate on the no-confidence motion had proceeded along somewhat uninterestingly for several days. On Friday night Mr Hindmarsh moved theadjonrnment of the debate at 11.43, but when the Speaker put the adjournment a chorus of “Noes” from the Opposition benches declared the intention of Mr Massey to challenge there and then the ability of the Government to dominate the position, Every eye watched the doubtful ones, and as the members for Bay of Islands, Kaipara, and Thames were seen walking Towards the Opposition lobby, the hopes of Government supporters fell to zero, for it w-as realised that for the first time for over 20 years the Liberal party was about to suffer defeat. The figures of the division list read: Ayes 33. noes 39. THE DIVISION LIST. Opposition. Government. Allen, .1. Atu.ore Anderson Brown B« I) Buddo Bollard. J. Buxton Bollard, R. F. Carroll Bradney I'ohiu Buchanan Davey Buick Dickie Campbell Ell •oaten . Forbes Dickson Glover F.-.ott Hanan Fisher lliiwhuarsh Fras. r Dill Guthrie larureuscn Harris Mc-t'alluar Herdman MacDonald Hin* Mackenzie, T. Hunter McKenzie, R Lang Myers Maholnt Parata

Mander Payne Massey Rangihiroa Newman, Dr. A. K. Robertson Newman. E. Russell Nosworthy Seddon Okey Sidey Bearce Smith, R. W. Pomare Thomson, J. C. Reed Veitch Rhodes Ward Scott Wilford Smith, F. IL Witty Statham -Sykes Thomson, G. M. Wilson Young The result of the division was received quietly by the House, though it was »oticerl that the Leader of the Opposition held his band up to restrain the not unnatural buzz of station which floated around the Opposition benches. Prime Minister’s Speech. The Prime Minister, wlto spoke next, said that he thought the occasion one in which the preservation of dignity was the just necessity. A crisis had been reached, ami he extended his thanks to the men w ho had «o loyally extended their confidence to him. The regret he had was that an opportunity had not Ise n afforded to the country to obtain Use verdict of the people on the party and its .Ministers. He took the opportunity of extending Iris sympathy to Mr. Herries. He would like to have seen the debate extended more to those who opposed th* Government. He thought the honourable members on the Opposition heat’ll** should have expressed their Opinions on tie* polity brought down by the Liberal (Uit iruincut, instead of having maintained a rigid silence. The Ministry had taken from the Governor's Speech of

last February all those proposals which had been considered practicable. Under the circumstances, why did tlie Opposition not speak to those proposals which they had so scathingly criticised on the publie platform. He again regretted that the country had not had an opportunity of judging between the two parties. Ho felt confident that the people of New Zealand would have given their verdiet in favour of the present Government—he personally would be only too glad to submit the issue to the country, and offered there and then to meet the Leader of the Opposition and his party on the hustings. Mr. Massey smiled here, and shook hia bead in the negative. Proceeding, the Premier said that as to the Liberalism of Mr. Massey, he did not doubt it, but would the Leader of the Opposition carry through a progressive programme with such entanglements to hinder him? Good Work. The Premier proceeded to deal with some phases of the Government’s recently enunciated policy, dealing more particularly with land matters and agricultural development. On the question of tenure, he said, a great deal of nonsense had been talked. The Grown land tenures were tenures such as should appeal to all men desirous of working their own land. He concluded that the Liberal party had not gone back on the freehold, but bad increased it. The Government was not a leasehold government, but was one devoted to placing people on the land" under conditions best suited to their ideas and aspirations. Speaking of the proposal which the Government had advanced to construct light railways, the Premier remarked: “I know my old colleague, the Hon. Roderick McKenzie, does not believe in them, but I have firm faith in them for opening up the backblocks.

Mr R. McKenzie: “Perfect rubbish! (Laughter). Good gag, but not good policy.” (Renewed -laughter.)

Defending the Administration. Amidst several disparaging remarks from the Hon. R. McKenzie, the Premier contended that h’s side of the House had studied the settlement of the land. It had been his endeavour, while leading the party to strike a high political level, and he hoped the Liberal party had not suffered at his hands. Throughout the debate there had been no charges of dereliction of duty made against the Administration, or of their having ignored the interests of the country. Mr Mackenzie regretted having failed to secure the support of those men who had come liehind him, as he considered was their duty at the first hurdle, especially as he had undertaken to return to the party the trust that had been reposed in him to do what the party thought best. His party was leaving behind it a record of intention to do good work for the country.

Useless Party Government. He felt much concern regarding the future, as developments in the East were of a serious disturbing nature. As long as there was a large unoccupied area in Australasia, the statesmen who would in future voice the destinies < f this country should endeavour to obtain a population of two or three million, together with a strong system of defence. He believed they were at the elose of one era and the opening of another. He did not believe it was possible tinder the existing (state parties to have sound government. It was with regret that bis services and interests in agriculture would in future be curtailed. He left with regret the officers of departments and secretaries who stood by him so loyally, but looked forward to the future with hope, as he believed in the eternal arrangement of matters, and he believed there would eventually be evolved something better. The Prime Minister resumed his seat amid an ovation.

Mr. Rhodes Explains. Mr Rhodes (Thames) congratulated lhe Premier on hi* bearing under trying circumstances, and paid tribute to his excellent -work to the country as Minister for Agriculture. The speaker declared that he had carried out his promise to support Sir Joseph Ward. His only other pledge had been for the freehold, and he claimed that he liad done bis duty to the best of his ability as a Liberal Independent. He had been given to understand that the Opposition would bring forward legislation of a liberal, progressive character. He had not attended any caucus, and had not given the

Ministry promise of any support. He deplored party government, asking Why they could not form a strong stable government from both sidee. ' The Funeral Service.

Hon. R. McKenzie likened the present position to standing by the grave and listening to the funeral service of thd Liberal party. He criticised the party for “allowing the ragtag and bobtail Liberalism and political opportunists to assume control.'’ He had nothing to say personally against -the present leader of the Liberal party, and congratulated hint on the fine appeal he made to the country before the death sentence was passed. He would himself be fighting for Liberal principles all his life, but would not support a gimeraek party. Air McKenzie proceeded to inveigh again. -t the Liberalism of the Premier". Members of the Opposition, be added,

pnst pot think they were going to control A majority of the country. As loon as an election -was forced .in the country parties would be divided into Jwo straight-out camps. As the result !>f the caucus he had declared himself igalnst the present Premier, but lie could give support to anyone prepared o carry on the Government on sound nd reasonable lines. His own policy vas opposed to that of the present eader of the Liberal party. Ont for a Dissolution. |fe was out for dissolution jf a reasonable Government could not be set up from an amalgamation of Loth sides. Mr McKenzie proceeded to criticise the constitution of the Cabinet. He challenged the right of the Hons. Buxton find Myers to seats in the Liberal Ministry. Personally he would just as soon yote out the Government as vote them S'uj but he wanted to see them get a fair rial. He admitted that the Ministry Jiad done fairly good work during its ndmiiMstration. Speaking of the old Cabinet, he said if the Opposition got ion the Treasury benches they could go through the pigeon-holes to-morrow and would find nothing discreditable. •Mr Dickie expressed regret regarding the speech made by the member fur Motueka, and declared that those members who attended the Liberal caucus should have stood by what they promised. A Pertinent Query.

Jlon. Mr Colvin asked that if his old friend Mr MdKenzie had such a bad opinion of the present leader, why should he have advised him (Mr Colvin) to have joined the Ministry under the leadership of the Hon. Thos. Mackenzie 1 Sir Joseph Ward’s Speech.

Sir Joseph Ward regretted the open disclosure by men concerning what had taken place at the caucus. Had they known any member of the Opposition to disclose what had transpired at a caucus Of his party* That was one of the best features of the Opposition party, and h? regretted to say it could not by said in regard to the Liberal party during the last nine or ten years. Members of the Liberal party of the House should take the position philosophically and not attempt to wash dirty linen. He would say that, with the exception of Mr Isitt and three Labour representatives, all members present at the conference, including the Hon R. McKenzie, agreed to tetand by its decision. He regretted also the circulating of untruthful statements that he had exerted influence against the Hon. J. A. Millar. He took no part in the selection of the leader. His own private opinion was that neither Mr Millar nor Mr Mackenzie should have stood, as the inevitable result was a split in the party; but members pledged themselves, and thus deceived the leader chosen. The proper course would have been for dissatisfied members to withdraw from the caucus or state frankly •that they could not say what they Would do. lie denied that he had ever been connected with intrigue of any sort since he became a member of the House.

Sir Joseph Ward went on to say that the Leader of the Opposition would as 3’rime Minister find many difficulties in Lis path, and, knowing the wreaths of

difficulties of the position, he extended his sympathy with his congratulations to Mr Massey. He would need Loth. (Laughter.) Mr. Wilford Steadfast.

Mr Wilford declared that the speech the Premier had delivered that night was one that would never be forgotten for its honest, genuine ring. Never had the Liberal party required his vote so much as it aid to-day, and although it ■would not save the party, it would be given freely. There were still live men belonging to the party—men of aspiration who were prepared to work and fight in the time to come. The Leader of the Opposition had the chance of his lifetime. If he shook himself free from the trammels of the past and produced a policy of liberality—evolution without revolution—he would find support from quarters least expected. THE DIVISION. The division was reached at 4.45 a.m., and, as the bells rang, the Hon. J. A. Millar entered the Chamber. The House divided—ayes 41, noes 33, the list being as follows:— Against the For the Govermnent Government. 41 33 Anderson Atmore Allen Brown Bell Buddo Bollard, J. Buxton Bollard, R. F. Carroll Bradney Colvin Buick Davey Bnchanan Dickie Campbell Ell Clark Forbes Coates Glover Dickson Hanan Escott Hindmarsh Fisher Isitt Fraser Lanrenson Guthrie McCallum Harris MacDonald Herdman Mackenzie, T. Hine Myers Hunter Parata Lang Payne Malcolm Poland Mander Rangihiroa Massey Robertson Millar Russell Newman, Dr. A. K. Seddon Newman, E. Sidey Nosworthy Smith, R. W. Okey Thomson, J. C. Pearce Veitch Pomare Ward Reed Wilford Rhodes, R. H. Witty Rhodes, T. W. Scott Smith, F. H. Statham Sykes Thomson, G. M. Wilson Young

The division is practically the same as at the previous vote, with the addition of Mr Clark and the Hon. J. A. Millar for the Opposition. Mr Toland arrived and voted for the Government. The Hon. R. McKenzie absented himself. There was no demonstration upon the announcement. of the division.

Mr. Massey’s Acknowledgment. Before the House adjourned, Mr Massey expressed acknowledgment of the

temperate character of the debate. He expressed the hope that whatever occurred during the next few weeks, bath sides would work together for the time being, to the good of the country. He thanked the Premier and members of the Government party for their generous references to himself.

Premier's Congratulations. The Premier extended hearty congratulations to Mr Massey, and assured him of every assistance by members of the present Ministry. This announcement was received with applause. Mr. Massey Sent Far.

• The resignation of the Hon. T. Mackenzie and his colleagues was received by the Governor on Saturday afternoon, and Mr. Massey was sent for in the evening. He said he was prepared to form a Ministry. The New Leader. I;t is just 56 years since Mr William Ferguson Massey was born in London derry, Ireland. He looks older, but when one considers the strenuous life a politician leads, rt is a wonder that his 18 years’ career in the House has left him as young as he is. Even his strongest opponents acknowledge that he is one of the hardest workers in the House. Ten and eleven years ago, when there was not the remotest idea of the Opposition being taken seriously—when it consisted of only a few stray members under the leadership of Sir William Ruseel—(Mr Massey was always one of the first men in the House, and the last out of it. lA love of politics is inherent in him, as in so many of Che sons of the distressful country. Were lie a man of less vigorous physique, lie must have paid the penalty of his enthusiasm long ago. Muscle and a certain amount of avoirdupois are not the least important adjuncts in a political career of any length. It is just 18 years ago that Mt Massey was one day 'wielding the hayfork on the top of a rick on his farm, when a telegram was handed up to him asking him to contest the Franklin seat against the Government candidate, Major Harris. The young fanner came out, and was defeated by a small majority, but- in the following year, 1894, he won a by-election in Waitemata. In 1896 he carried Franklin, and has ever since been in the House. When increasing years compelled Captain Russell to relinquish the leadership of the faithful few who composed the Opposition, Mr Massey was chosen as his successor. That was in 1902, and since then Mr Massey has fbeen the head and front of the party. Always confident, the leader has gone from one end of Hie Dominion to the other strengthening the outworks and counselling hope to his scattered forces, but it was not until after the last election that the party commanded anything like the consideration to which they considered they were entitled in the House. Mr -Massey has been on the land all his life, and is known among liis followers as the Farmers’ Champion. He lives at his farm at Mangere, and his

name frequently figures in show tali logued as the owner of prize drauga* of the breeding of wir.ch he mike s a hobby. In polithtt he is eminently .» fair figlr r; a favit bis keenest opp» nents reiaily admit. He always M plays cricket,** and whatever one m.iy think

of Sits polities, one cannot help admiring the plucky manner in which he ha» st >ol up to the bowling. He was just as keen in 1902, when t«he Opposition was only such in name, as he is to day. And he was just as keen in 1908, when he went back to the House with only 13 followers. Like al! politicians, l.c may have made tactical mistakes, hut th? d >gSfed way he has kept on in the fa *e of what seemed to be overwhelming odds is probably unque in the political hist >ry of the Dominion. When not busy wi-.li politics Mr Massey is generally to be found where farmers congregate, these two subjects being his only hobbies, an 1 in the recess be is never hippier thin when in his shirt sleeves he is going round his farm looking over the stock Mr Massey is a married man. and his three sons and two daughters.