“ WOULD THE PRIME MINISTER DENY ?”

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3463, 1 March 1912, Page 5

“ WOULD THE PRIME MINISTER DENY ?”

THE PLEDCES TO MEMBERS. MR. MASSEY CONFIDENT OF THE TREASURY BENCHES. Mr Massey asked whether the Prime Minister would deny that lie had given pledges to - members that no matter what- happened he would resign and his resignation would be accompanied by those of his colleagues. Sir Joseph Ward: I stated it publicly —my resignation and the resignation of the whole Ministry. Mr Massey: We are going to get into the most extraordinary position that has ever happened in this country. I presume the Prime Minister will keep his promises—then what will happen? Hon. R. McKenzie: The Governor will not send for you. Mr Massey: He will send for me in due course. lam quite satisfied to stop on the Opposition benches until I get a majority of members who will keep their pledges and place me on the Treasury Benches in an honorable manner! Mr Massey said that members had responsibilities to the people, and it was their duty to see that the men who were placed on the Treasury Benches were men in whom members had confidence (Hear, hear). How were members to know that unless the new Ministry presented itself before Parliament was prorogued ?