THE REFORM PARTY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19924, 18 April 1928, Page 12

THE REFORM PARTY.

" MORE UNITED THAN EVER."

A SATISFACTORY CAUCUS.

CONFIDENCE IN MR. COATES.

[I)Y TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

WELLINGTON, Tuesday.

As a result of to-day's caucus the Reform Party emerges stronger and more united than ever. The licensing question was discussed amicably and a resolution was passed expressing renewed confidence in the Prime Minister, Mr. Coates, as leader of the party. All members of the party were accounted for at the meeting. There was an attendance of 43, and apologies were received from Messrs. Uru, Girling, Bell, Glenn, Burnett, Campbell and Harris. The two remaining members, the Hon. G. J. Anderson and Mr. H. L. Tapley, are out of the country. Interviewed after the meeting terminated, the Prims Minister said the general business related to matters always discussed in Parliamentary circles-—many questions that would come up for consideration at the forthcoming session of Parliament, general organisation matters affecting the general election campaign, and any difficulties individual members had experienced in their constituencies in regard to departmental administration. "Was the licensing issue discussed ?" the Prime Minister was asked. "Yes, along with many other matters," replied Mr. Coates, who added that the proceedings throughout had been of the most harmonious character.

Mr. Coates declined to be drawn on an inquiry as to whether tho date of the session had been fixed for the normal time, the third week in June. He remarked with a smilo, "Members may make arrangements up to June 7 " (tho date to which Parliament has been formally prorogued). The following resolution was passed by caucus: "That this meeting of Reform members in tho House of Representatives expresses its appreciation of the action of the Prime Minister in arranging for this meeting of the party, and also its satisfaction of the manner in which the business has been placed before it, and further, that tho Parliamentary members of the party desire again to record their entire confidence in tho Prime Minister as leader of the party." General satisfaction has been expressed with the tone of the proceedings before caucus. It is stated that the vexed licensing question was the subject of amicable discussion and that the general expression of opinion in that connection was that the welfare of the country as far as the party was concerned came first. No official intimation has been given as to whether any decision was reached regarding licensing, but opinion prevails that as tho outcome of the deliberations an obstacle lias been removed. The terms of the resolution passed by caucus should be kept in mind. "A most satisfactory caucus," was tho comment of sev al members after the conclusion of the gathering.