ASSURANCE TO BE SOUGHT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 29 May 1930, Page 5

ASSURANCE TO BE SOUGHT

AGAINST HOSTILE MOTION

WELLINGTON, This Day

The Government has a fairly substantial legislative programme for submission to the House, but in view of its lack of a working majority the risk of a quick defeat is always present, and however important his attendance at the councils of Empire might be, the Prime Minister could hardly leave the House in session with Che knowledge that the first advice he received on reaching London might be that he was no longer in office. Accordingly it is authoritatively stated that the Hon. G. W. Forbes, as soon as the coming session of Parliament opens, will sock an assurance from the Reform and Labour Parties that no adverse motion against the Administration will be carried if he makes the trip Home before the business for the session is disposed of. In support of this anneal it is understood that the Prime Minister will out-

' lino the main measures the Government proposes to introduce, and give lop place on the Order Paper to poiicy Bills, over wltitTt there arc likely io bo differences of opinion, so that ilieso can be dealt with in the first two mouths of the session. To be in London in time for the, conference Mr Forbes would have to leave New Zealand by the end of August or the beginning of September at least, and if the House is agrecablo to the course suggested the Hon. E. A. Ransom, Deputy-Leader of the Government, will be left in charge for the remainder of the session. It is considered that New Zealand should bo represented at the Imperial Conference by the Prime Minister, on account of the important business to be discussed, such as the Singapore base. It is understood that if this is to be reduced to a commercial enterprise New Zealand's subsidy will be slopped. Economic research within the Empire, tariff preference and the Canadian treaty are other questions of importance. The Comptroller of Customs Dr. Craig, and the Secretary of the Research Department.' Dr. Marsden, will accompany Mr Forbes.

INFORMAL GATHERING WELLINGTON, This Day. Over 70 heads of departments and departmental officers met the new Prime Minister (the Hon. G. W. Forbes) and his colleagues at an informal gathering at Parliament House yesterday afternoon. Mr Forbes stated subsequently that the object of the gathering was to enable Ministers to meet administrative officers. It is understood that the Prime Minister took advantage of the opportunity to place the financial position of the country before officials, and that lie was assured of the hearty co-operation of the Public Service in the policy the Government intended to pursue in that regard.