CAUCUS OF SOUTH ISLAND MEMBERS.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 14238, 29 December 1911, Page 7

CAUCUS OF SOUTH ISLAND MEMBERS.

Tho political situation was very much discussed in Christchurch yesterday. An extra interest wa3 added to tlie discussion by tho arrival of tho Prime Minister from Wellington. Ho returned to Wellington last evening, and will probably meet the North Island members of tho Government party to-day. The object of Sir Joseph Ward's hurried visit did not need to be guessed at. The South Island members of his party had been summoned to Christchurch to attend a caucus, which was held in Warner's Hotel yesterday morning. There seemed to have been a fairly unanimous response to tho invitation, as Government members from the West Coast and Southland were sentTho caucus started about 10.30 a.m. when the following were present: — Sir Arthur Guinness (Grey), Mr James Colvin (Buller;, Mr T. E. Y. Seddon (Wcstland), Mr G. Witty (Riccarton), Mr H. G. Ell (Christchurch South), Mr T. H. Davey (Christchurch East), Mr L. M. Isitt* (Christchurch North), Mr G Lauronsou (Lyttelton), Mr G. W. Russell (Avon), Mr G. W. Forbes (Hurunui), Mr W. J. Dickio (Selwyn), Mr T. Buxton (Tcmuka), Mr James Craigio (Timaru), Mr J. C. Thomson (Wallace), Mr J. A. Hanan (Invercargill), Mr T. K. Sidoy (Dunedin South), and Mr R McCallum (Wairau). Tho only South Island supporter of tho Government party not present was Mr E. 11. Clark, member for Chalmers. Ho telegraphed explaining that he had received tho wire inviting him to tho caucus too late to enablo him to bo present. A very considerable amount of importance was attached to tho gathering, as the Government is in a majority in the South Island, and in a considerable minority in tho North. Tho caucus concluded about noon. A "Press" representative then interviewed the Prime Minister, who said that ho had no announcement to make. It was a private gathering, and it was not his intention to make a statement as to what would bo done. He was not ready to make tliat announcement. Several members who had been present at the caucus were seen by reporters, but they had nothing of any importance to say. It was very evident that one and all had been asked to regard the proceedings as secret. Speculation was rife as to tho turn tho discussion had taken, but there was no "official" report, and mombers were entirely non-committal. Tho Southern meinoers will probably leave for the South to-day. Tho West Coasters will go on .to Wellington. . It is understood that tho Prime Minister will make an official statement in regard to tho iwlitical situation on January 2nd.