POLITICAL SITUATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20116, 29 November 1928, Page 12

POLITICAL SITUATION.

THE REFORM PARTY CAUCUS. CONFIDENCE IN MR. COATES. "FINE SPIRIT OF UNANIMITY." PROMOTING COUNTRY'S WELFARE [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] WELLINGTON. Wednesday Tlio members of the Reform Party met in caucus at Parliament House to-day. Twenty-seven members out of tlio twentynine members of the party were present and apologies were received from Mr. H. S S. Kyle (Riccarton), who is judging at. a show, and from Mr. Tau Uenaro Maori), who was unablo to make a train connection in time to bo present. In addition to the Parliamentary representatives the Hon. T S Weston, M.L.C., the Hon. G. J. Anderson, the Hon A. D McLeod, and Mr. I<\ F. Hockly were' present. The following resolution was passed:— "Wo, the members of the Reform Party in Parliament, affirm our continued confidence in the Right Hon. J. G. Coates as leader of the party, and our determination to stand loyally with him in whatever course the exigencies of the prosent political situation may render necessary in the interests of the Dominion as a whole, which tho party, as in the past, places before all other considerations."

Position oi Chief Whip. The caucus is giving the closest attention to the political position and the quostion of the Speakership of tho House of Representatives. The general opinion seems to be that the party should support tho reappointment of Sir Charles Statham. However, no decision has been announced on this point, nor in respect to tho attitude which is to be adopted in tho event of tho United Parly assuming office. Some members appear to be of the opinioD that it would bo better to follow a course which would obviate a precipitate appeal to the country and that it would be advisablo to see how tho new Administration, if there should bo one, shapes, before committing the party to any particular step. The opinion is that Mr. J. Bitchener (Waitaki) will bo appointed chief Whip of the party in succession to Mr. J. S. Dickson, who was defeated at tho election. Nothing has been decided in regard to the Junior Whip. Some North Island member will probably be ap pointed as Mr. Bitchener'3 assistant, and tho choice appears to lie between Mr. A. M Samuel (Thames) and Mr. J. A. Nash (Palmerston), or Sir George Hunter (Waipawa). Statement by Mr. Coates.

The Prime Minister stated to-night that tho meeting had been marked by a fine spirit of unanimity oa the part of the members of tho Government party in their desire to follow a line of procedure which would best promote tho general good in the very difficult position which now faced the country. .. "The discussions," Mr. Coates added, "centred round this main objoct. Recognition of the heavy responsibility which now rested upon the members of tho party in placing the interests of the country paramount over other considerations was expressed by all. It was not tho question of party advantage which actuated tho minds of our members at the present time, but rather the course of duty likely to be in the interests of the general welfare of the Dominion." As far as the general political situation is concerned, chief importance would appear to attach to next week's caucus of "the Labour Party, s for much will depend on how the Labour members vote. It is anticipated that Mr. Holland will be reelected leader of tho Parliamentary party.

Both the Labour and the Reform Parties are reported to be deploring that they did not contest more seats at the general election, and now the issue appears to bo "who is prepared to force another election at an early date."

VACANT PORTFOLIOS. APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED. OTHER MINISTERS TAKE CHARGE. [BX TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, Wednesday. Consequent upon the resignations of the four defeated Ministers which were accepted by tho Governor-General on Monday, the Prime Minister announced to-day that His Excellency has been pleased to make tho following appointments in connection with tho vacant portfolios:— Tho Prime Minister. Mr. Co.ites: Minisler of Mines and Minister of Agriculture.

Tho Hon. W. I). Stewart: AttorneyGeneral, Minister of Justice and Minister of Defence.

Tho Hon. J. A. Young: Minister of Industries and Commerce

Tho Hon 11. A. Wright: Minister of Labour.

Tho Hon. K.S. Williams: Minister of Lands and Commissioner of Stato Forests

In regard to tho oilier departments which were administered by (ho former Ministers, the Hon. W D. Stewart will have charge of police, prisons, electoral and war pensions; the Hon. R. A. Wright printing and stationery and pensions, the Hon. K. S. Williams the valuation, land for settlement, discharged soldiers' r.ettloment and scenery preservation.

BAY OF ISLANDS RECOUNT. COMMENCEMENT TO-MORROW RESULT EXPECTED ON SATURDAY [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] WHANGAREI, Wednesday. The magisterial recount of votes cast in the Bay of Islands electorate will bo commenced at Kawakawa on Friday morning by Mr. J. 11. Luxford. S.M., of Whangarei, assisted by Mr. F. Bird, returning oflirer for Marsden. There are 104 parcels of ballot papers to be dealt with, and the result may not be known until midday on Saturday. The recount is beinc made on the application of Mr. H. M. Rushvorth. the Country Party candidate. He and Mr. Allen Bell. Government candidate, received tlio saino number of votes and the returning oflicer cave his casting vote in favour of Mr. Bell, the retiring member.