POLICY MATTERS

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 59, 6 September 1913, Page 6

POLICY MATTERS

DISCUSSED BY GOVERNMENT PARTY LAND, LICENSING, AND BIBLE IN SCHOOLS. Some important policy questions were discussed at a caucus of the Government Party to-day. All the members of the party were present or accounted for. The Prime Minister explained the provisions of the Land Bill, which { was received with expressions of the highest approval. "One ofi the finest Bills ever brought down" was the way in which a member of the party expressed himself in referring to the subject. The question of licensing legislation was also discussed, and the party expressed the opinion that when the intentions of the Government are announced they will meet with the general approval of the country. ■ Incidentally it may be added that it is understood that on this or any other subject members will bo required to keep to their election pledges, and that no proposal will be made to alter the three-fifths majority at licensing polls. As to the question of a referendum on the subject of Bible reading in schools, the caucus expressed the opinion that in the present unsettled state of public opinion, the time was not> opportune for bringing in any legislation. " The caucus also considered the question of the programme of Government business for the remainder of the session, and it was agreed that no matter of importance to the country shall ' be dropped even though the session runs in consequence to extraordinary length.