A COALITION CAUCUS

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21243, 15 August 1934, Page 10

A COALITION CAUCUS

♦-— — CLOSE SECRECY OBSERVED IMPORTANT STATEMENT EXPECTED [From Our Parliamentary R.eporter.l WELLINGTON, August 14. A Coalition caucus convened at short notice for this afternoon has revived political speculations as to the term of endurance of the compact between the Reform and United parties. Unusual emphasis was laid on the need for treating as confidential the reason for convening the meeting, and the statement later made by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, was almost entirely non-committal. The meeting lasted two hours and a half, during which many members on both sides of the Coalition expressed their views. Mr Forbes said that the budget i proposals, and the main principles embodied in the Customs Amendment Bill, had been explained; otherwise, the meeting had discussed in friendly vein several questions of current importance. He said the meeting was not fully attended, but that was accounted for by the absence of two members from Wellington. A rank and file member described the caucus as "a domestic talk," and added that instructions had been given not to discuss the matters raised in caucus with any outsiders. Another member indicated that the proceedings had been in perfect harmony. His words were borne out by "the appearance of members as they left the caucus room—most of them were in very high spirits. Another said that a statement of some importance could be expected from the Government shortly. In view of recent talk about the presentation to Mr Forbes and Mr Coates of a memorial requesting the convening of a caucus to discuss the future of the Coalition, some special significance was attached to to-day's meeting, but it is understood that neither Mr Forbes nor Mr Coates has been impressed by the small sectional movement to decide now issues which might with advantage be left until a later date. In any case assurances were forthcoming that the sentiments embodied in the memorial had not even been mentioned. It is believed that at some opportunity the Reform wing of the Coalition at least will hold a meeting to discuss future policy in relation to the Coalition, in which that party holds dominant sway. However, no date has yet been fixed for the meeting because of the absence of several members, notably the Hon. K. S. Williams, who has been unable to attend the House for the last month owing to illness.