TO-DAY'S INFORMAL MEETING.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLIII, 7 June 1909, Page 2

TO-DAY'S INFORMAL MEETING.

WILL SIR JOSEPH GO TO ENGLAND? (Special to the "Mail.") WELLINGTON, Monday Most of tiie members have now assembled in readiness for the informa' gathering of Parliament which will be held this afternoon. The great question now is: "Will Sir Joseph Ward go Home or will he remain here and go on with the business of the session?" Lonsiderable diversity of opinion is express cd amongst members on the subject: but the majority appear to favour tho view that the Prime Minister, who har ehown that he is very anxious to attend the Defence Conference, will do so, ant' that - arliameut will prorogue after transacting formal and urgent business, leaving the actual work that is awaiting Parliament to be transacted at a summer session opening about the end of September or the beginning of October. There are many members of the Government Party who, while favourable to Sir Joseph Ward going Home, aro of opinion That the work of ■parliament-should not be delayed. "But the crack of the Party whlp may lead them to modify their views, and it is generally thought that the Prime Minister will secure a majority in favour of his proposals. The . mem bers of the House of Representatives only will meet to-day. A separate meeting of members of the Legislative Counci 1 will be held subsequently. To-dayV gathering, which opens at 3 o'clock, is beine looked forward to with eager tnAn informal meetine of Opposition members was held on Saturday night, but no definite coures was decideo upon in regard to the party's attitude on the question of adjournment. Mr Massey _s view is that if it is shown that it is necessary that Sir Joseph Ward should go Home the Opposition will place .lo obstacle in his way ; but Mr Maraey is strongly of opinion that the House should'not adjourn, but that it should go on with the business of the country. Some interest, has b.en aroused by the recent -publication of despatches between the 7 Home and Australian Governments regarding the nature of the Imperial Conference. From this it appears that no personal invitation was sent to the Prime Minister, but that the Minister of Defence was invited, or, failing him, that some Minister, accompanied by an expert, be sent. Sir Joseph Ward is Minister for Defence, but it is urged that it is not necessary that he should go personally. Sir Joseph Ward, however, says: "Wait till you hear my despatches." implying that he has received a personal invitation. It is difficult to get any indication as to whether Mr Massey will also go Home if Sir Joseph Ward goes; but Mr Massey has stated that if the House goes on his place in there. Parliament will be. opened by Commission on Thursday. The Governor's speech will be delivered on Friday. It is now anticipated as almost certain that Mr Guinness will be re-elect-er Speaker. Later. Mr Massey states that even if asked to attend the Conference he would not feel justified in putting the country to the expense that would be involved by accepting it. Mr Laurenson has been appointed Government Whip for the South Island. The North Island Whip has not" yet been appointed. Messrs Davey, Wilford, Baume and Sir Wr. Steward are suggested as likely candidates for the Chairmanship of Committees.