MINISTERIAL CAUCUS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13946, 4 July 1907, Page 8

MINISTERIAL CAUCUS

INTENTIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT.

SPEECH BY SIR J. G. WARD.

(Krom Our Own Cormspondext.) WELLINGTON, July 3. The Government party met- in-caucus this morning. The official report furnished to tho press is as follows. Sir Joseph Ward congratulated the caucus on the large attendance, and thanked members one and all for the many kind expressions of welcome and good feeling shown to himself since his return to the coliny, It was. he went : on to say, the first- caucus called since lie became bend of the Government, and he hoped they would have many future meetings with a view to discuss matters of general importance to the colony as a whole. ■

lie did iiot propose to discuss the details of any, policy measures that the Government proposed to introduce to the House this session, as that was not the constitutional course to follow. The proper course would be adhered to in respect to that matter, and lie hoped that the party as a whole* would be' kept, in close touch with the .Government upon the more important, measures lhat requi-ed to be dealt with in the session's legislation. He indicated what measures Parliament would be asked to put through during the session, and intimated that an alteration Would "he made in the graduated land tax and that an amended Land Bill would be brought down.

.Thpre would also be a Native Land Bill ensuring the settlement of tho great area of Native lands in the. North Island, and a Customs tariff of a sensible nature in the interests of all classes, with a simplification of the present system, would bo put through. 1 The all-important matler of the work of the conciliation and arbitration system would he amended to onsure.the continuance of the benefits that had been conferred upon both employers and workers since the system had been in operation. The law would he made clear to ensure that the groat principles involved should lie put into a. thoroughly practical position. The question of the uncertainty of the halfholiday under tho Shops Act would also bo legislated upon so a-s to prevent tho undesirable stnte of tilings that now existed.

A classification scheme for the civil service, as well as a superannuation 6chemc, would also be put through with the assistance of members.

Sir Joseph Ward also referred to the fact that the great developments in the matter of legislation which hail taken place during llio past 15 years had enormously increased tlio responsibilities'put upon departments, both old and now. and civil servants who had devoted a long life to the scrvico oftho colony were not able, from various causes, when they left the service to turn their hands lo other avenues of employment, nor to make provision for themselves and their families in their old ago. He also stated that amendments to the Post ana . Telegraph Classification Act and the Railway Department Classification Act would bo put through. Both these departments had expanded enormously in-recent years, and what had been an excellent thing for them through their classification scheme in many aspects did not suit under the altered conditions which an exnansion of business had brought about. Those were the most, important measures which tho Houso would be asked to put through. He also intended to submit a national endowment scheme aJtered in some material aspects from the bill emulated last session, under which it was proposed to submit a scheme to enable tho public to ensure a reasonable provision being made for thorn in sickness and old age. He expressed deep regret at the unavoidable absence of their friom! and his colleague, tho Hon. Mr Hall-Jonea, who had been prevented by illness from fcakins? his usual place among them. No one could forecast' whether the long rest that 'no was taking would rcstoro him to a full measure of health, but he sinccrely hoped that that would bo the result. Tile three doctors who had examined him tho day before his (Sir Joseph's) arrival in New Zealand were hopeful that it would bo so. If, however, it should unhappily be otherwise, and his health should not be restored, 60 that he should bo unable to undortako his (Treat, responsibilities, then, and then only, would he. consider as to how the vacancy in tho MiAifitu thpuld bo filled. Iq the www

time, no one would expect him to giv.e any ■promiso or any indication of what might or might Jiot bo necessary in six months from now.

Mr Gray and Mr Poole explained that they were present at the caucus as Independent Liberals, which was in keeping with their election pledges.

Sir Joseph Ward said ho quite understood that position, and he recognised that they wore not supporters of the Opposition party, and) consequently lie was pleased to Beo them present. Ho also expressed pleasure at seeing Mr J. C. Thomson, tho member for Wallace, among: them. He hoped, with the co-opctation of the party as a whole, and with the assistanco of his colleagues, to direct legislation in the general interests' of the country. Sir Joseph Ward was frequently- applauded, and after a number of members had expressed their, views, The following resolution was unanimously carried:—"That this caucus records' its loyalty to you (Sir Joseph Ward) as leader, and to vour Government and to its general policy." ' From an unofficial source I learn that few matters of serious moment wore discussed at any leneth by the caucus. In--deed, a considerable amount of time was taken up with the question! of whether or not. there' would bo a, supper adjournment during the current session. Some amusement was caused bv a very prominent Ministerialist, getting up.and suggesting, "as an independent member." that before the matter was finally settled the leader of the Opposition should bo consulted. It his. I am told, been decided to take the sunnor adjournment at 9.30, as was usual under the Seddon regime. A member who wae nresent nt the caucus informs me that Sir Joseph Ward made it nlain that, there was. to be no government bv caucus. The Ministry will not brook anything of that kind. The oarty was not consulted in regard to details of the Land Bill.