N.Z. FINANCES

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXI, Issue 214, 24 August 1931, Page 4

N.Z. FINANCES

HOUSE COMMITTEE MEETS TO-DAY. A SHORT ADJOURNMENT* It is now learned that it was the Prime Minister’s hope to bring the financial debate to qn end on Friday, and that in his reply he intended to urge the formation of a National Government and the postponement of the general election for two yean. As was mentioned by Mr. D. Jones last week, the Prime Minister had not replied to Mr. Coates’s offer of a Reform committee of co-operation, and the opinion of the party was that tho time was fully ripe to bring about that measure of assistance which it was prepared to give some months ago as an alternative to complete fusion. Accordingly Mr. Coates notified the party leaders of his intention to givo effect to what he considered the only proper course open to the House at the moment, and he therefore invited all sections to join in sinking party differences for the common good. The first meeting of the committee will be held to-day, and exceptional interest attaches to its deliberations, especially in view of the fact that it hao yet to be decided what the Houso will do in the meantime. There is still a suggestion that there should bo a short adjournment as a matter of convenience, and Mr. Forbes said on Saturday that the work of the House would depend on the attitude adopted at to-day’s meeting. It seems hardly possible that the House could do much good with three of the leading men in the various parties out of the chamber, so that Mr. Holland may be pressed to agree to an adjournment. Although the Labour Party has agreed to take part in the committee’s work, ipembers on the cross benches openly declare that as far as they can see they will not be able to continue the arrangement for very long. One of the most prominent members of the party mentioned on Saturday that he foresaw an early break-away by the Labour members. This will naturally complicate matters considerably and lead to a somewhat critical state of affairs in view of Mr. Coates’s statement in the House on Friday that two courses only were open to his party—the forcing of a general election, and tho amicable settlement of party differences during the present time of emergency.—‘ ‘ Dominion. ’ ’ MR. WILKINSON REPRESENTS THE INDEPENDENTS. By Telegraph—Press Association. Parlt. Bldgs., Aug. 24. Mr. C. A. Wilkinson has been selected as the Independent members’ representative at the conference of Parliamentary parties. MEETING AT 2.30. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Aug. 24. The first meeting of the conference of Parliamentary parties was to be held at 2.30 this afternoon. There can be no intimation as to what out side advice will be enlisted until the question is discussed by the commitleu.