THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19940, 29 May 1930, Page 10

THE IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

MR FORBES MAY GO TO

LONDON.

PARTY TRUCE SUGGESTED

(rSBSS ASSOCUTIPIi TELEOBAM.)

WELLINGTON, May 23

With tho agreement of Parliament, the Prime Minister (tho Hon. G. W. Forbes) will attend the forthcoming Imporial Conference as New Zealand's representative. The Government has a fairly substantial legislative programmo lor submission to the House, but in view of its lack of a working majority, the risk of quick defeat is always present, and however important his attendance at the Councils of the Empire might ho, the Prime Minister could hardly leave the House in session with the knowledge that the first advice he received on reaching London might be that he was no longer in office.

Accordingly, it is authoritatively learned that Mr Forbes, as soon as the coining session of Parliament opens, will seek an assurance from the Reform and Labour Parties that no adverse motion against the Administration will be carried if he makes the trip Home before the business for the session is disposed of. In support of this appeal, it is understood the Prime Minister will outline the main measures the Government proposes to introduce, and give top place on the Order Paper to the policy Bills over which there are likely to bo differences of opinion, so that these can be dealt with in the first two month* of the session. To be in London in time for the conference, Mr Forbes would have to leave New Zealand by the end of August or the beginning of September, at tho latest, and if the House is agreeable to the course, it is suggested that ho will propose that the Hon. E. A. Ransom, Deputy-Leader of the Government, will be left in charge for the remainder of the session.

Apart from the Imperial aspect, those in close touch with Empire affairs consider that there are many important reasons why New Zealand should be represented at this year's conference, and represented by its Primo Minister.