PARLIAMENT'S LIFE

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 91, 14 October 1931, Page 10

PARLIAMENT'S LIFE

iTHE EXTENSION ISSUE

WAS THERE AN AGREEMENT?

UNITED PARTY CAUCUS

The. caucus of the United Party (tolled for the purposo oE discussing •points of dissatisfaction which have arisen in tho past few days, chiefly owing to suggestions of a growing feeling in higher quarters that an early General Election is desirable, was held last night. Tho party met first during tho tea adjournment of the House, and fhe deliberations were resumed after the House ro:\i at 10.30 p.m., and wcro "not concluded until lifter 1 a.m.

It is gathered that tlio majority of the members of the party took part iv h, free and at times very frank discussion of the grievances which have been ventilated to sonic extent in lobby gossip since and during the week-end. The main point of issue seems to have been tlit question of tlic extension of the ]ifo of Parliament, and it is understood that members of the party made it clear that they expected the understanding on which they had entered into tho Coalition agreement —tho postponement of tho General Election for at least twelve months —to bo honoured. 'Che feeling was also expressed that tho country expected a stabilisation of the political position as a natural corollary of the Coalition, and that the turmoil and expenso of a General Election -would be replaced by tho operation of a definite) rehabilitation plan which uould only bo put into proper effect by deferring the appeal to tho country. Against this contention, it is argued amongst Reform members that the United Party is under a misunderstanding in this supposition, and they <;laim that there was no prior agreement as to tho election.

LEADERS TO CONFER.

As tho npsliot of tho discussion last night it is understood that the Prime Minister, as Leader of tho United Party, was to confer with tho Eight Hon. J. G. Coates, tho Reform leader, and significance is attached to a dis cussion which took place between them this morning. Mr. Coates will discuss the matter with members of his party, and it is reporteu that 'the Eeiorm caucus will take place to-day. A further caucus of tho United Party will be held subsequently, probably tomorrow.

It is understood that in tho courso of last night's discussion members of the United Party freely criticised the appointment of Sir James Parr as Leader of tho Legislative Council, and complaint was mado that the body of members of tho party had not been informed of what was transpiring generally. However, satisfaction was expressed with Mr. Forbes's leadership. From reliable sources of information it is reported that the majority of the United Party still havo the feeling that a General Election under a Coalition banner is contemplated, and that they are of opinion that in the event of an appeal to tho country tho two parties should approach the electors independently.