WHAT HAPPENED AT THE CAUCUS.

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

WHAT HAPPENED AT THE CAUCUS.

A member of our staff gathered.that there was a full, frank, and free discussion at tho caucus. There was a very general desire to avoid holding another election in the near future, as it was felt that tho chances of the party would be very small if there was an immediate appeal to tho country. Tho Prime Minister, it is said, took an extremely optimistic view of tlie position, and it seems that ho imEressed his views on the members of is party. Tho position of the Independent members was discussed, and it was felt that with their support the Government would be able to carry on .in_ the .meantime. The opinion, of -fMHHHBnr B_7 SnTr call' the House together in May or June. The end of tho financial year is March 31st, and in the event of an election being forced when tho House moots, the Government would be ablo to go to tho country with tho Departmental figures for the year as election ammunition The constitution of the Cabinet was the subject of some talk, and there was a strong demand for drastic reconstruction. Rumour had it that tho retirement of Sir James Carroll, the Hon. Roderick 'McKonzie. the Hon. D. Buddo was suggested. The idea was that Sir James Carroll could be replaced by Mr Ngata as Nativo Minister. Another portiolio could le filled by Sir Arthur Guinness, who would retire from tho Speakership. It is well known in political circles that the Speaker, desires Ministerial rank, which would involve a more active political life than that which he enjoys as Speaker of tho House. Mr J. A. Hanan, of Invercargill, is mentioned as a possible successor to Sir Arthur Guinness. Mr Hanan has been a member of the House for twelve years, and has on previous occasions been in the running for Ministerial The position of Canterbury members who may be expecting is a rather peculiar one. Mr Laurenson and Mr Ell were both mentioned freely, and Mr T. H. Davey was mentioned as a possible Chairman of Committees. Tho opinion seemed to bo that'the Canterbury members would have to fight out tho question of who was to go into tho Ministry among themselves. Tho distinguishing feature of the caucus, howover, was the demand for Cabinet reconstruction. Tho exact nature of Sir Joseph Ward's announcement after ho meets the North Island members of his party ■ to-day, can only bo surmised. It is fairly certain that he will state that the Government will carry on, but in addition to this there is to be an announcement that, according to one authority, will surprise the country. This may deal with the question of reconstruction, or even with tho possibility of the Prime Minister's retirement from tho leadership of the party. Some of tho members do not conceal their opinion that the reconstruction of the Ministry must eventually, if not immediately, provide for tho retirement of the Prime Minister. It was felt that the illness of Mr T. M. Wilford, and his consequent absence when tho House meets, will further complicate the position. It was suggested that a pair might bo arranged for, but nothing definite was stated.