COALITION CAUCUS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21879, 15 August 1934, Page 12

COALITION CAUCUS

BUSINESS KEPT SECRET "A DOMESTIC TALK" THE CONSTITUENT PARTIES NO RUPTURE ANTICIPATED [BY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON, Tuesday A Coalition Party caucus, convened at short notice for this afternoon, has revived political speculations regarding the term of the endurance of the compact between the Reform and United Parties. Special stress was laid on the need for treating as confidential tho reason for convening tho meeting, and a statement later made by the Prime Minister, Mr. Forbes, was almost entirely non-committal. The meeting lasted for two and ahalf hours, during which many members on both sides of tho Coalition expressed their views. Mr. Forbes said the Budget proposals and tho main principles embodied in tho Customs Amendment Bill had been explained, otherwise the meeting had discussed in a friendly vein several questions of current importance.

He said tho mooting was not fully attended, but that was accounted for by the fact that one or two members were absent from Wellington. A rank and file member described the caucus «s "a domestic talk," and added that instructions had been given not to discuss the matters raised in caucus with any outsiders. Another member said that a statement of some importance could be expected from the Government shortly. In view of .the recent talk about the presentation to Mr. Forbes and Mr. Coates of a memorial requesting the convening of a caucus to discuss the future "of the Coalition, some special significance was attached to to-day's meeting, but it is understood that neither Mr. Forbes nor Mr. Coates has been impressed by the small sectional movement to decide now issues which might with advantage be left until a later date. Assurances were forthcoming that the sentiments embodied in the memorial had not oven been mentioned at the caucus.

It is believed that at some opportunity the Reform wing of the Coalition at least will hold a meeting to disciiss the future policy in relation to the coalition, in which that party holds dominant sway. However, no date has yet been fixed for the meeting, in view of the absence of several members, notably Mr. K. S. Williams, who has been unable to attend the House for the past month owing to illness. The caucus was the second held this session, the previous one taking place during the first week, when it is customary for Government members to be informed of the general lines of the sessional programme. It is highly probable that to-day's meeting will give rise to a wealth of speculation, but inquiries fail to establish any solid reason for anticipating that the two parties will not continue to work together for a further indefinite period.