TELEGRAMS

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 April 1918, Page 6

TELEGRAMS

MEMBERS’ CONFERENCE. lIEINFORCEMMN TS DISCUSSED. LEADERS’TRIP APPROVED. GENERAL ELECTION TO BE POSTPONED. IBy Electric Telegraph—Special to "Star."! WELLINGTON, This Day. The Premier’s invitation to all the Members of the House to attend a private meeting was generally accepted, all the Labor members being present. The result was a free discus' sion an'd the frank explanations by the Government leaders has cleared the ground. The feeling in the Lobbies consequently is that a fortnight will be the limit of the session. A motion was passed approving of New Zealand’s representation at the forthcoming War Council, and agreeing to facilitate Parliamentary business to enable their departure at the date fixed.

There is no definite arrangement • limit . the Address-in-Reply speech, but members seem disposed to wait for the Appropriation Bill before launching out fully. NEW ZEALAND'S MAN-POWER

The position was explained to the conference, but as the- Government is still awaiting important communications from England it is understood that nothing definite was forthcoming about the increased rate of reinforcements. Another important decision was in regard to the next general election. It was. agreed to support a measure extending Parliament's term for another year, but the Bill is not to com« forward this session. While this was under review the question of a licensing poll was raised. The conference, however, was generally of the opinion that there should be nothing but financial legislation during the short session. There is every probability of this aspect of affairs being brought forward during the session to open early in October. It was interesting to hear that at least five members dissented from the resolution approving of the Leaders' visit to England. Several of tnem were at the Liberal Caucus, so that a similar motion passed at that meeting was not unanimous. However, the great, bulk of the members support the proposal for New Zealand's representation at that important Imperial gathering. PIRATED LETTERS. Holdinor up an envelope which he had received from Captain Seddon, with the notification "received without contents," Dr. Thacker asked the Postmaster General to inquire into letter pirating. This was the second case in his experience. He had sent to Captain Seddon a copv of a cable forwarded from New Zealand to England, but it was taken out in the post. Sir Joseph "Ward promised to make inquiries.