POLITICAL MATTERS.

Marlborough Express, Volume XXXVI, Issue 229, 1 October 1902, Page 1

POLITICAL MATTERS.

CAUCUS OF GOVERNMENT

PARTY. *

THE COLONY'S FINANCIAL

POSITION.

I'ress Association. Electric Telegraph

Copxjright. Wellington, September 30.

At a caucus of the Government Party to-day Sir J. Ward, on behalf of the party, expressed regret at the retirement of Mr Carncross, Govern-

ment Whip, and stated that during the time that gentleman had been in Parliament he had not only made lasting friends on his own side of the House but had commanded the respect and confidence of those opposite to him. Several other members endorsed these sentiments.

Mr Carncross expressed keen regret at the severance of ties which had been so pleasant to him.

The Acting Premier brought up the question of New Zealand being represented at the South African Exhibition, and the caucus strongly expressed the opinion that the colony should be represented there.

Major Steward, as tbe oldest member of the party, expressed Ms congratulations to the Acting Premier for the way in which he had conducted the business of the session, and also paid a high compliment to the Minister for Public Works and Native Minister for the valuable work they had done. These remarks wore generally endorsed by the party. The Acting Premier referred to the financial position of the colony, and gave the party an assurance of the fact that all the requirements of the colony were provided for for some time to come. He also expressed the opinion that a considerable portion of the last loan should be floated in the colony, and congratulated members on the fact that we are to a very large extent independent of the London money market. He also referred to the question of the Midland Railway debenture holders, and said it was possible that this session a proposal would be submitted to Parliament to enable a settlement to be carried out which would be alike satisfactory to the debenture-holders and honorable to the colony.