GOVERNMENT CAUCUS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXI, Issue 6995, 8 December 1909, Page 8

GOVERNMENT CAUCUS

CLEARING THE ATMOSPHERE. LEASEHOLDERS ABANDON OBSTRUCTION. As a result of a caucus of the Govprn-1 merit party yesterday morning, the political atmosphere was considerably cleared, a prompt indication- of this improv« mei.t being the abandonment of the leaseholder.-' stonewalling of the Land Committee's report in the afternoon. The only absentee from the caucus was ilr X. W. Ho"». Over two hours were occupied in discussing matters, and the Frime Minister made the following; statement : "The position of the business in. the House was; stated to the party by me, and I also pointed out the course that 1 thought it wa-v desirable for the party to adopt. It was agreed that the Land Bill should come on to the floor of the House from the Lands Committee, and that the block, so far .as the Gov-

ernment party is concerned, should bo 1 discontinued. I indicated the business that should be put through this session,and I expressed the opinion that wo might bo able to finish our proceedings by tho 22nd inst., and that Tarlianiont should sit earlier than usual nest year. • There was, he added, a general discussion upon, party matters, and tho party unanimously expressed their, hearty good-' will towards the head of the Govern* ment. • WHAT LEASEHOI/DEES THINK. Apparently" the leaseholders are fied with the Government's attitude i* regard to the Land.Bill. They are hoping for a nostponement of tho measure this session, and declare that thero are now only, two" or three dissatisfied men on their. side. It is alleged thai the gathering;opened with leaseholders suggestions for a prompt dissolution, but the majority of those holding leasehold views were of opinion that such.an up« heaval would be inadvisable at present, as the educative campaign which, they 'hope to' carry out should precede any appeal to the country.