THE FINANCIAL ADVISER'S SALARY.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12405, 29 December 1909, Page 5

THE FINANCIAL ADVISER'S SALARY.

THE OPPOSITION PROTEST

AN ALL-NIGHT SITTING PRE-

DICTED

THE ULTIMATE RESULT

I The adjourned discussion on the question of the reinstatement of the vote of £400 to the Hon. W. P. Reeves, which Mas struck out of the ordinary Estimates by a majority of 10 on December 3rd, is again occupying the at- ! tention of the House of Representatives ami there is a fairly full attendance of members. The public interest in the proceedings also seems to be increasing. This afternoon many people who had come in the hope of hearing the discussion to go away disappointed, because they could not gain admittance to the public gallery. Mr Massey, leader of the Opposition, has received letters and telegrams from bbth North and South congratulating him on the stand he has taken, and stating that the country expects the Opposition to do their duty. The final result is, of course, already a foregone conclusion. The mere weight of numbers behind the Government must carry ! the day in the end, especially as it lias been announced that several who originally voted for the striking out of the item are now prepared to change their votes. Some allege that the original vote was carried aga.inst the Government on the ground that the position was misunderstood. The word " misunderstanding " is as constant a solace to such true-blue Liberals as was the blessed word " messapotamia" to the old lady. Others, such as Mr G. W. Russell, are prepared to change their votes because they now regard the question as one of party. v It now appears,' says Mr G. W. Russell, " that what may be termed the Reeves question has been subordinate to a conflict between parties. If at this juncture the Government was decisively defeated it seems to me that there would be no alternative for it but to hand in its resignation." In view of what Sir Joseph Ward has stated, when the vote comes up again next June it is likely to be dealt with. With a full sense of the responsibility which attaches to the matter, and with the absolute certainty (under such circumstances) of the > reinstatement of the vote, the Opposition may not.carry on /their protest to the utmost limit. I fully expect, however, to see them still protesting at daylight to-morrow.