LABOUR PARTY

Grey River Argus, 4 May 1944, Page 4

LABOUR PARTY

WORK OF CAUCUS Housing and Production P.A. WELLINGTON. May 3. A two-dav caucus of the Parliamentary Labour Party began in Wellington yesterday, meetings being held in the morning, afternoon and evening. The Acting-Prime Minister (Hon. D. G. Sullivan) presided. It was stated that the caucus had not been called for any special purpose. The main object w’as to enable the rank and file of the Government’s supporters in the House to meet Ministers, and to provide an opportunity for general discussion, and the giving of information that m’ght be required bv members. It was intended to hola routine meetings of this nature each month. The caucus will be continued to-day. P.A. ■ WELLINGTON, May 3. A drive for increased production, also housing, post-war reconstruction, and rehabilitation were among the subjects discussed at the twoday caucus of the Parliamentary Labour Party, which concluded tonight. The position of Hon. D. G. Sullivan, as Acting-Prime Minister, was unanimously confirmed by the caucus. It decided, on his motion to send greetings to Mr Fraser in London, wishing him every success in his participation in the conference of Empire Prime Ministers, and m his negotiations on behalf of New Zealand. . , Mr Sullivan said, in an interview to-night, that the urgent need ot increased production to ipeet tne requirements of Great Britain and the Allies was given priority of attention, and the position was ably reviewed by the Minister of Agriculture Mr Roberts, and the Minister of industrial Manpower, Mr McA comprehensive review, of the housing construction position was given by the Minister of Works, Mr Semnle, and this was followed by a long 'and very helpful discussion bv the members of the caucus, which approved of the Government’s determination to proceed with the building of houses as rapidly as the available resources hi manpower and materials would permit. There had been a long discussion on rehabilitation. the members showing great ''nterest in every phase of the question, , , “'There have been suggestions by some Opposition members in the country that there is disunity in the Labour Party,” said Mr Sullivan, “but. I can say quite definitely that there is not the slightest evidence of anything of the kind. While all of the questions were vigorously discussed by caucus, there was absolute unity in the ranks of the Party.”