Heads Counted

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 7065, 26 January 1933, Page 7

Heads Counted

Majority on Exchange Question Assured

Caucus Ends Its Friendly Discussions

Special to Times.

WELLINGTON, Last Night,

(Coalition United, Mid-Canterbury), and Mr. P. McSkimming (Coalition United, Clutha). On the present analysis tho position would appear to bo:— Support for Coalition 44 Support for Opposition .. .. 3* Majority 10 This tally docs not include Mr. Speaker or Mr. W. J. Jordan (Labour, Manulcau), who is at present en route to London, and who so far has noi been ‘‘paired.” It makes no allowance for Coalitionists who may refrain from voting becauso with such a test ahead, the Prime Minis! would insist beforehand that every vote bp accounted for by tho party Whips before he allowed the actual division to bo reached. TWO ABSENTEES MESSRS STEWART AND WRIGHT There woro two notable absentees from the caucus of tho Coalition party to-day. The ex-Ministcr of Finance (tho Hon. W. Downie Stewart) and Mr. it. A. Wright, the member for Wellington Suburbs, were not present, adopting the attitude that no good purpose could bo served by their participating in further deliberations of the party on the exchange question.

The Coalition caucus ended early this afternoon after having been in session since yesterday morning. Little beyond the Government’s decision arbitrarily to fix the rate of exchange at a high level was discussed.

Immediately after the caucus had adjourned, the Prime Minister (the Right Hon. G. W. Forbes) announced that members had discussed the Government’s policy in a friendly manner. In reply to questions, ho said that no motions had been passed, it not being the custom to pass motions at these meetings.

The Primo Minister said that it had not yet been decided what courso would be followed in tho House of Representatives to-morrow. In tho afternoon, tributes would be paid to the memory of Messrs H. L. Taploy and J. Horn, two former members of the House, who had died during tho recess. It was possible that an adjournment would then be taken until Friday, although this point had not definitely been decided. It was his intention to make a policy statement to tho House, but there were still one or two points to be cleared up before tic would be in a position to do this. MAT REACH DOUBLE FIGURES A majority of at least ten votes on a no-confidpnco motion on tho exchange issue is now assured for the Coalition. This assessment is made in tho light of the reception the caucus has accorded Cabinet’s proposals, and those in a position to forecast the outcome of voting in the Houso declare that only seven city Coalitionists at the most will vote against their party. The members concerned are: — The Hon. W. Downie Stewart (Coalition Reform, Dunedin west), ex-Minister of Finance. Mr. A. J. Stallworthy (Coalition United, Eden). Mr. E. A. Wright (Coalition Reform, Wellington suburbs). Mr. A. Harris' (Coalition Reform, Waitemata). Mr. H. Holland (Coalition Reform, Christchurch North). Mr. H. G. Dickie (Coalition Reform, Patea). , Mr. W. A. Vcitch, (Goalition United, Wanganui). It was not previously expected that Mr. Stewart would go to the length of .voting with the Labour party, but it is now understood that his attitude toward the exchange issue will have its logical sequel. Mr. Wright has already indicated how he will vote, and Mr. Stallworthy has stated that he will oppose the Government. The opposition of Mr. Harris to the exchange move is also a positive one, and although Messrs Veitcli, Dickie and H. Holland (Christchurch North) have not openly declared their intentions, it is understood that their votes will be cast in the same direction as those of the four other members mentioned. Mr. W. A. Bodkin (Coalition United, Central Otago) is opposed to a high exchauge, but ho is not likely to vote against the Government. The position of the other Coalitionists who on the occasion of the previous agitation did not define their attitude, has little bearing on the present issue, since all of them can be expected solidly to support the party on a want-of-confidcnce test. These members include Mr. J. A.. Nash (Coalition Reform, Palmerston), Mr. S. G. Smith ; (Coalition United, New Plymouth), Mr. E. F. Healy (Coalition United, Wairau), Mr. D. McDougall (Coalition United, Mataura), Mr. J. Connolly