POLITICAL

Hokitika Guardian, 10 July 1940, Page 4

POLITICAL

SECRET SESSION.

(Per Press Association—Copyright).

WELLINGTON, July 9. A second secret session of tho House of Representatives took place tonight. Rt. Hon. P. Fraser drew attention to the presence of “strangers” ~ and a formal motion, requiring them to withdraw; was tarried. The /usual | precautions were taken to, ensure the secrecy of the sitting/ and the doors of the chamber were * locked and 5 * guarded. ■WELLINGTON, July 10. The House adjourned at 12.3 o’clock this- morning, until 2.30 this aftprnoon, when the secret session will be continued. At the conclusion of to-night's sitting, the following official report vaa issued, under the authority of the Speaker, Hon. W. E. Barnard: — “The Prime Minister reviewed the latest developments in tile war and other reactions on the international situation. “Steps taken in New Zealand in regard to defence and supplies woic also outlined, and discussed.” Six other speakers took part n the / debate. WAR CABINET PROSPECTS. WELLINGTON, July *J. Conditions under which the Opposition is prepared to ioin with the Government in the direction of New Zealand's; war effort were discussed at a caucus of . the Parliamentary . members of the National Party to- 1 day. _ * ■ No statement was made for publication. ■ There is, however, reason to believe that the Opposition, is, anxious to see • political * unity brought about ' j without delay, even though this may -;s involve a sacrifice, of . some of the con- v '°' < ditions. which the, Opposition first sought. t A caucus of :,,the members of the Parliamentary Labour Party had been called for to-day, but .it was postponed till to-morrow.

After the Labour Party caucus, it is expected that the Leaders of the two parties will again confer with a view to reaching some final agreement.

It- is known that the Opposition is anxious that the authority of the proposed War Cabinet should ce ex‘ended beyond the . authority suggested in the original proposal of the Prime Minister. - , .

Should an agreement be reached between the parties' during the next few days, it is probable that it will have some influence on the financial debate, which has now extended ever throe sittings, and on the subsequent discussion on the estimates of departmental expenditure. In such circumstances, a protracted discussion n oull be unlikely.