CAUCUS IMPRESSIONS

Evening Star, Issue 19614, 21 July 1927, Page 2

CAUCUS IMPRESSIONS

THREE ABSENTEES REFORM VIEWS OH SITUATION CAUTION URGED ON MINISTERS £F|lOi! OCR I’ARLIAMENIAIir REPORTER.] WELLINGTON, July 20. At .the .Government Caucus To-day there were three notable absentees— Mr Potter.,(lloskill), Mr Harris (Waitemata), and Mr Glenn (Rangitikei)— which supports the impression that they deliberately kept away in order to demonstrate clearly an attitude of independence in lino with their statements m Parliament. It is reported that the rank and file of the party, while easy in mind over opposition in the House, showed some concern over the general political position. They, realise that any Government in time of depression loses soma of its original popularity, but it was suggested to Ministers that a special effort will have to be made to counteract adverse influences in the country. Some of the Government’s legislative proposals were. discussed at great length, and indications from the parts score that it would go much furthei with amendment to the Arbitration Act than the Minister of Labor would personally favor. Consequently, the introduction of this Bill during the pro sent session will bo a matter of considerable importance. Opinions were freely expressed regarding tariff changes, with a view to inducing Ministers to act with the utmost caution in connection with adjustments of taxation. No reference was made to the Licensing Bill, and the impression in the lobbies is that the Prime Ministoi is taking this personally in hand and is determined to keep his own counsel. 11 is not. likely to make qu early appearance.