Government Caucus.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7413, 1 October 1902, Page 4

Government Caucus.

Per Press Association,

■\V_L_tS-To:. September 30.

At a caucus of i*ic Government Party to-day Sir J. G. Ward, on behalf of tho party, expressed regret nt the retirement of Mr CirncrofS, Government Whip, and state 1 that dur'ng tho time that gontlou-in bad be nin Parliament bo had not only made lasting friends on his own side of tho Houso but hud comtnandtd the respect and confidence of those opposed to him. Several oth. r members endorsed theso sentiments.

Mr Carncross oxpressied keen rcgrot at tho severance cf ties which had been so pleasant to him. The Acting-Premier brought up tho question of Now Zealand being represented at tbo South African Exhibition, and tho caucus htrongly expressed tho opinion that tho colony should bo represmtcd ih.ro.

Major Steward, as tho oldest member of tho party, expressed bis congratulations to tlio Acting-Premier for the way in which bo had conducted tho business of the session; ond also paid a high compiiuiont to tho Minister fer Public Woiks und Nativo Minister for tbe valuable work tbey had dono, remarks which woro' generally endorsed by tho party. Tho Aoting-Frcmier referred to tho financial position of the colony, and gave tbo party an assurance of tbo fact tbat all tho requirements of the colony wore provided for fer somo timo to come. Ho also expressed tho opinion that a considerable pr.rtion of lust loan should bo do-ted in tho colony, and conßratulated mcmb"is on the fact that wo are to a very lirge extent independent of tho London money market. Sir Jcceph also referred to the question of tho Midland Kiiilway debenture holdors, and said it was pvssible that this session a proposal .would be submitted to Parliament to enable i settlement to bo carried out which would be alike satisfactory to debenture holders and honourable to tho colony.