“REFORM” CAUCUS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8559, 23 October 1913, Page 10

“REFORM” CAUCUS

SUSPENDS COMMITTEE WORK EXPLANATION REQUESTED. An extraordinary indisposition to allow the leader of the Opposition to extract information from Ministers on important matters was shown by Government followers in the House yesterday, when, without previous notice. Sir Joseph Ward addressed a question to the Prime Minister in regard to the Huntly strike. Following a brief discussion on this subject, Sir Joseph Ward said be wanted to ask another question of the Prime Minister Mr D. Guthrie (Senior Government Whip) : “I object 1” , , Sir Joseph Ward, proceeding, asked whether it was a fact that committees were not to sit tho next morning, anil if so, what was the reason t It was generally reported that committees were not to sit this (Thursday) morn, ing. Mr Nosworthy (Junior Government Whip); “That is a fair question for tho order-paper!’’ . , The Hon. W. F. Massey, >n reply, said ho thought the question might be put upon the order-paper. He knew of no arrangement, however, that committees were not to sit the next meeting. Sir Joseph Ward: “Well, committees are to sit?” It had been reported to him that for some reason committees were not to sit; and if so, they ought to know the reason. There wero a number of members who would not be there when tho House rose that night. ~ , ... The Hon. W. F- Massey said ho did not know that he was bound to answei every question tho hon. gentleman asked; tho sittings of committees were arranged by the chairmen, end he had not communicated with the chairmen Ho had heard of an important meeting of members of Parliament that was t<r-tako place, and there might be a connection between the two facts. He could not say anything further. Sir Joseph Ward contended that committees ought not to be inconvenienced on account of a meeting of that kind. He djd not know why members opposite should display a little feeling, and he was entitled to know what ho asked.. ((Several Government members were interrupting in, protest against Sir Joseph Ward proceeding further.) “I ask whether there is to be interference with the ordinary meetings of committees. This sort of thing is unusual.” Mr Massey: “What committees are you referring to?” Sir Joseph Ward: “I am referring to all.” Mr Massey: “They don’t all meet to-morrow !” Sir Joseph Ward; “Some meet tomorrow, and if the committees are to bo deferred, wo ought to know the reason.” The discussion thereupon dropped.