NEXT WEEK'S CAUCUS

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 119, 23 May 1925, Page 8

NEXT WEEK'S CAUCUS

INTEREST IN PROBABLE ISSUES

CHOICE OF NEW LEADEE AND POSSIBILITY OF COALITION.

Speculation upon the issues of the political situation is not so active as it. was a week ago, all theories as to the possibilities of the near future apparently having been fully explored. Interest is now quickening in the Eeform caucus to be held next Wednesday, at which the choice of a new Leader of the House will be determined. Another question which it is said will be discussed is that of overtures between parties with a view to a union of forces.

After ;i process of elimination of the least likely oC the three Reform Ministers whoso names have been so freely mentioned, the discussion of tho past few days seems to have resulted in tho weight oF opinion being strongly in favour of the Hon. J. G. Coates, and it is expected that ho will be the party's choice. It is staled that an overwhelming majority in favour of Mr. Coates was disclosed when Eeform members were sounded on the occasion of the late Mr. Massey's funeral. At the same time some resentment was expressed, especially, among Southern members, that the claims of.the Minister of Baihvays had been pressed so early by the Northern members and supporters of the party.

PROSPECTS OF COALITION. There appears to be a growing interest in the prospects of a. coalition of the Reform and Liberal forces, and this is sure to be a live issue at the caucus, for there are signs that the proposal is being pushed in certain influential quarters. One of the difficulties of an arrangement between the two- factions will be the readjustment of portfolios, involving sacrifices on the part of some of the present Ministers in order to make way for Liberal representation in the new Cabinet.

It is not thought likely that the Hon. Mr. Coates, in the event of his being called on to select a Coalition Cabinet, would allow party prejudices to affect his choice. He is not regarded as a strong party adherent, since he entered the House as a Liberal and changed his leader because freehold principles to which lie was pledged were in his opinion in great danger from the Liberal Cabinet in office at the time. There is no longer serious division between the two parties on that issue, so that that, at any rate, should not prevent fusion. PLEDGES AT NEXT ELECTION.

Some of the leading men in the House favour a union of forces, and developments on this issue will be Watched with as much interest as the selection of the new leader. "If self-interest, incompatibility of political ideas, or other reasons prevent the union of Reformers and Liberals," remarks the -"Eltham Argus," "then the electors will have to dominate the position and show that after all it.is 'they, not the politicians, who have to decide. If no rapprochement is arrived at by Reformers and Liberals before the General Election a pledge will have to be demanded from all Reform and Liberal candidates. It will have to be a pledge that in the event of neither party having a working majority the party having the lesser number _of followers will immediately unite with the party having the greater number and combine against the Socialistic section in the House. A pledge of, this description would relieve the public mind and give candidates the sentimental satisfaction of having fought under their respective flags."

A Reform League meeting will fee held at St. Jude's Hall, Lyall Bay, cii Monday evening. Mr. R. A. Wright, M.P. for Wellington Suburbs, will deliver an address.