COALITION DISSENSIONS

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 April 1932, Page 5

COALITION DISSENSIONS

A REPORTED BREAKAWAY

CRITICISM OF PARTY-LEADERS

[SPECIAL TO “STAB.”]

WELLINGTON, April 12.

All the elements of another firstclass political sensation are appearing on the Parliamentary horizon, and the development of a cave within the large Government party is a possibility by no means remote“The place is a mass of. seething discontent, and anything may happen in the near future,” said one member of the Government party to-day-The reason for this expression was not hard to trace. Inquiries in the lobbies show that a substantial sec-

ion of the rank and fiA- of the Coali-

tion party holds the opinion that Cabinet has made a serious blunder in failing to consult the rank and file prior to the preparation of policy measures, the consequence being that these will—to employ the description pf one member —“leave the party high and dry.” ' ‘

Although this is the main cause of indignation, the members concerned are in direct opposition to some of the principal proposals, of the National Expenditure Adjustment Bill, particularly as it affects pensions and interference with financial contracts. It is claimed by these Coalition supporters who have become so critical, that their re-election to Parliament was to assist in the country’s rehabilitation, not to blindly support cut-and-dried measures, of a drastic character, in the evolution of which they had no part.

“We <are sick tired,” said another member, “of appearing in caucus and being told what we are to do- We also resent the suggestions that have been made that opposition to any of the Government’s measures must be interpreted as disloyalty, involving dismissal from the party.” Inquiries show that at least seven members have met as a group without the Coalition party, to discuss the general position and what action should be taken. No actual decisions have yet been arrived at, but the movement' is likely to develop along the lines of (1) the formation of a definite group or “cave” within the Coalition, or (2) the creating of an independent combination to secure a modification of the Government’s proposals. It is hoped to-obtain sufficient support to exercise a dominating crossbench influence for the reason that already twelve names are in prospect. It is an important feature of this de-velopment-1 that it has drawn sympathisers equally from the ranks of both the Reform and United sections of the Coalition. It is not entirely a city alignment, though the majority of active participants are city members. To-day, there was a caucus of Reform members of the Government party, and it was highly significant that three Reformers whose names are associated with the new movement did not attend that gathering. During the last 48 hours several private meetings have, been held by the originators of the new movement, but the utmost secrecy is being preservedl MR COATES INTERVIEWED. - News of the dissension soon went the rounds of Parliament Houses, and by 2 p.m. the lobbies were alive with all manner of rumours and sugges-

tions. It was then common knowledge that during the morning, representatives of the Post and Telegraph Association had a private conference with ’members of the Labour Party. A meeting between the Reform members and Mr Coates, which was held in the later’s room, did not rise until 1 p.m Interviewed, subsequently, Mr Coates said the meeting was by no means a caucus, but had been held at the request of certain members in order that a full explanation of the National Expenditure Adjustment Bill might be given. The spirit of the meeting was quite satisfactory, although it was true, indications were given by some that it may be necessary sary for them to oppose certain of the provisions. “There were some members of the party who had given pledges at the last general election in respect of salary “cuts” and pensions,” said Mr Coates, and (they naturally had been placed in an awkward position. A suggestion has been made that the

“cuts” might be replaced by an increase in the wage tax. Other aspects of the Bill have been freely discussed, and he had given an explanation of all the provisions. Mr Coates added that he did not think there was any question of the Bill being in jeopardy.