PARTY CAUCUS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 133, 7 June 1937, Page 9

PARTY CAUCUS.

CALLED FOR JUNE 17. FUTURE OF B STATIONS? WORK or COMING SESSIOW. Labour members of Parliament have been notified to attend a caucus in Wellington on Jane 17. No agenda has been sent out, but it is considered by members in Auckland that the Government's policy in connection with B stations wHI be discussed as well as the housing scheme. Most members of Parliament have had voluminous correspondence in recent months concerning the Government s broadcasting policy and the general view is that the position should be clarified by a statement from the acting-Prime Minister, the Hon. P. Fraser.

The general feeling- among members of the Government party is that there are certain B stations that have a definite claim for favourable consideration and that in cases where they have made a place for themselves at their own expense in the broadcasting organisation •they should be retained and supported.

While some members have expressed surprise that a caucus should be called during the absence of the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, others say that as caucus gatherings are part and parcel of the Labour Government system there is nothing unusual in asking members to assemble at Parliament Buildings as they are able to put on record their ideas as to the reactions of the public to legislation. Administrative Acts also come under discussion. It is not considered likely that either the national health scheme or national superannuation will be discussed except perhaps in general terms, as special committees are dealing with these questions in preparation for the promised legislation of the coming session.

The view is held that Parliament will meet either in the middle or towards the end of August. The Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Nash, are expected back towards the end of July. They will have a busy time in Cabinet and at caucus gatherings for some time after arrival reporting on their work in London and preparing the programme of the session. It is anticipated that the House will not complete its business before the Christmas holidays, and that there will be a break of a few weeks, the House resuming towards the end of January and possibly sitting until Easter. That will mean that there will be a short recess and Parliament will meet again in July for a brief session prior to the general elections.