The Government Caucus.

Hastings Standard, Issue 438, 29 September 1897, Page 2

The Government Caucus.

(By Telegkaph.) [Fkoji our Special Reporter.] Wellington, This day. Contrary to anticipations the presence of the Hon. Mr Ward at the Government caucus did not have a restraining influence on those members who attended. The ex-Treasurer at the outset made a brief speech, in the course of which he referred to the efforts being made to exclude him from polios, and said that as any man of would do bo would fight his detractors to the bitter end. His only desiiv was to be sworn in as a member of ihe House and to make a statement, after which he promised to abstain IVom taking further part in the proceedings till his discharge was granted him. A number of members, including Major Steward, Messrs Pirani, Taylor, Morrison, Camcross, Montgomery, O'liegfin, Smith and Fisher, plainly indicated that they would bo no party to any straining of the law for the purpose of retaining Mr Ward in his seat, although all expressed sympathy with him. During the progress of the caucus the Minister of Lands explained re his speech at the Invercargiil banquet that he had not meant it to be construed that Ministers intended to take Mr Ward back into the Cabinet. He had merely spoken to the effect that Mr Ward being still a young man with a future before him, 110 had expressed the hope that he would eventually regain his position and become a Minister of the Crown. Mr Morrison (member for Caversham), who was present on the occasion in question, corroborated Mr M'Kenzie's remarks.