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Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3563, 1 July 1912, Page 4

Since wo last reviewed the political fiitn.n.tion 1.110

“Pricking the Card.”

sn.uu.uuii hju position is

only altered in regard to one or two very interesting. details. The most noteworthy event that has occurred is, of course, the fact, that Parliament is now about to settle down, to the important business which awaits transaction. Has the Mackenzie Government tlio confidence of the House? Assuredly that is the first matter which has to be faced and a decision on that point allows of no delay. In this connection, too, the question as to who is to challenge its right to hold office is now no longer open to any doubt. By some it was believed, or rather hinted, that Mr Massey might find himself “jockeyed out” of the privilege of being sent for to form a new Ministry. It was declared in this regard that before the Leader of the Reform Party could present a hostile motion he would find himself forestalled. Mr Massey has, however, wisely taken time by the forelock- As,soon as Mr •Speaker called for any notices of motion after intimation had been given by -Mr McCallum, M.P. for,M’air.au, of his intention to move the “Adclress-in-Reply” he informed the House that he would move “'a certain amendment” on the fateful subject. So it would appear that if there are now any other aspirants for the high office of Prime Minister they null require to abide their time. The next interesting point in regard to this important matter is that Mr Massey has seen fit not to reveal at this stage the lines which liis adverse motion will follow. On the occasion when he unsuccessfully challenged the right of the Ward Government to bold the “reins of power” he did so, it may be recalled, oil the broad ground! that the then Government had not the confidence of the House, If we interpret the present position of affairs aright,Mr Massey, it would seem, is more likely on this occasion to bring down a comprehensive motion involving among other matters the land question. What is more, there is bound to be a complete reversal as to the tactics to be adopted by the Reform party when the No-confidence motion is before the House. Instead of allowing'the discussion to rest- chiefly with the Ministerialists and the Independents Mr Massey and his colleagues may ha expected to show good cause at great length and in much detail, why the present Ministry should be relieved of office. -: In a way it may •be necessary if the Reform party is to have its full strength, that a lengthy debate should take place, for .Mr Herries, the member for Tauranga, will not reach the Dominion on bis return from his trip Home for some days. 'Worthy of notice also is tile fact that —from its own .point of view —the misnamed “Liberal” party has reached a very unsatisfactory state as regards stability. From all accounts it would really seem that it is riven beyond the power of mending. Though members of the Ministry are still claiming “a fighting chance” those in the rank and file (so our special Parliamentary reporter informs us this morning) are spending their time voicing their discontent with things in general. 'What a sorry picture i when cue remembers that it is only a few short years ago since the Liberal party were at the height of their strength! As to the probable result of the “test”, the balance, unlike the position some months ago, is not now held by the “Lalborites.” A shrewd and (it may bo added) independent student recently declared in the “Evening Post” that it would probably bo; Against- the Government 43; for the Government, 36. Among those etassecl as “:for the Government” were Messrs Glover, Hindmarsli, Payne, ■Reed, Rhodes T. W., Sidey, Thomson J. C\, and Wilford, some of whom at least aro “doubtfuls:” The same remark in the same degree is, of course, applicable - to Messrs Veiteh, Clark, Coates, McKenzie R., and Millar, who were classed as “against the Government.” The debate on the Nc-confui-enco motion will, we should say, be awaited with much interest.