IN THE MEETING POT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3560, 27 June 1912, Page 5

IN THE MEETING POT.

THE INTERESTING POLITICAL SITUATION.

RIVAL PARTIES EQUALLY

CONFIDENT*

IF THE MINISTRY BE DEFEATED —WHAT MR. MACKENZIE RECKONS UPON.

Bv Telegraph—Special CorrespondentWELLINGTON, June 26.

“I am approaching Parliament with confidence,” the Prime Minister declared this evening.

“So far as I know, nothing has occurred to justify the men who selected their leader from leaving him now our position in the coxinti*y has undoubtedly improved, and I feel certain that it is the "desire of the people that we should ho given an opportunity to show our merit. We shall still endeavor to deal with the questions that are occupying the public mind on good / and' reasonable lines that are progressive and in accord with the spirit of the times. Wo propose to proceed on safe lines, hut if we are defeated I think that will bo the beginning of a number of appeals, and no one will say to what final result they will lead. CAUCUS OF THE “DOMINANT PARTY.” INCREASE OF STRENGTH EXPECTED.

The temper with which the members of the Reform party will enter upon the activities of the session have been clearly indicated during the caucus meeting which concluded this afternoon, their bearing being one of absolute confidence in themselves individually and in the party as a whole and in loyalty and confidence in then* leader. The views -of the party were expressed by Mr Massey this evening. “1 am perfectly confident that a majority of members will be found willing to work with the Reform party, said Mr Massey, “ and that they will express their willingness and their confidence in the party when the division is taken. The feeling at present amono- Parliamentarians is that the line of cleavage for the future and in the immediate present will bo between the moderate Liberals on one hand, and Radicals and Socialists on the other.” ~" t Discussing the probable result ot the want-of-confidence debate, Mr. Massey said that some votes would probably depend upon the attitude of the present Prime Minister towarsd the policy foreshadowed in the Governor’£ Speech at the opening of the short session. “If Mr Mackenzie adheres to that programme he sfpd, “he will no doubt retain the extreme Socialistic vote. If lie does not, then those who vote may bo regarded as a very uncertain quantity. is quite certain at present, except that the Opposition is the dominant party and that a number of members who have hitherto worked with what is known as the Government party are inclined to associate themselves with the Reform party since its politics most nearly conform to their own views, and to support a thoroughly progressive and democratic policy in the future.”

LEADERSHIP OF THE COUNCIL

VACANT PORTFOLIO NOT FILLED. The Prime Alinister stated to-day that the Hon. Oliver Samuel, of Taranaki, will represent the Gvernment in the Legislative Council. He decided not to- indicate the character of the appointment beyond statins that it would not remove the difficulty in regard to the vacancy in the Cabinet. Air. Mackenzie explained that the reason the latter position lias not been filled is that lie has had no opportunity to discuss the matter with the members of his party. POLITICAL CAPITAL OUT OF A JOKE. AIR. AIANDER AND THE PREMIER.

There is an attempt to make capital at the expense of Mr. MaiNier from some remarks made by him at an. after-dinner speech at AVhaiigarei on the occasion of tho Prime Minister's visit, and the obvious intention of Mr. Alac'kenzie is to show that the member for Marsden is wavering in his support of the Reform Party. The true character of the incident was explained by Air. Alander this evening. “I remarked that my actions were guided by principles and not by men,” he said. “Then turning to the Prime Alinister I said that if my position was determined bv men and not by principles I should consider him a very pleasant gentleman to follow.

“Immediately afterwards Air Maekenzio asked me whether I would .vote with him on a no-confidence motion. “I replied, ’No: Ido not like the company you are in.” The Minister: “Question.” Air. Alander’s retort did not appear in the telegraphed report, and upon the slender foundation _pf an afterdinner pleasantry a. rumor has been based that Air Alander may desert the Opnosition. _ . . Questioned regarding his attitude, Mr. Alander laughed at the suggestion. “The Reform partv’s principles are my guide and Air Alassey is my leader,” lie replied.

MR. WILFORD REQUESTS “A FREE HAND.” “NO DEFINITE POLICY BEFORE THE COUNTRY 7 .” j[JPEB PEESS ASSOCIATION 1 WELLINGTON, June 26. At a reception given by his constituents to Mr T. W. AVilford. M.P., lie gave as a reason for not indicating liow he intended to vote that the Government had never given a definite policy to tho country, and until he heard the Governor’s Speech he could not he expected to pledge himself to the Government to whose policy he was ignorant. It would he time enough then to say whether lie would support them. He had his mind made up and lie know his own policy. *A resolution was passed by the meeting giving Air Wilford a freo hand. .