STILL IN THE AIR

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17606, 23 October 1931, Page 6

STILL IN THE AIR

;DATE OP THE ELECTIONS EARLY APPEAL SUGGESTED ATMOSPHERE. OF UNCERTAINTY (Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. Whether or not the British general election is having an unsettling effect on the Coalition arrangements in the Dominion, it is quite evident that another change prevails in connection with early election prospects. Last week members of the Reform and United parties were discussing the situation on the lines of an extension of the life of Parliament, with the prospect of a session early in 1932 if it became necessary to deal further with economic measures. Now there is an uneasy feeling among United members that, what appeared to be a settled policy, though not actually adopted by Cabinet, is again in a condition of flux owing to the reported desire of the. Reform leaders to promptly test the country on the measures which have been proposed to meet the emergency. Assuming that an early election is decided upon, there is no likelihood of an appeal on a joint programme, if the present opinions of United members are maintained, as they consider that the country expected that the formation of a Coalition Cabinet heralded a condition of political stability. However, though party caucus meetings have again been resumed, the final decision rests with Cabinet, and with the no-confidence challenge out of the way the Prime Minister will make an announcement regarding the election to the House early next week. (Per Press Association.) A. caucus of the Reform Party was held last night, and it is understood that tho Reform leader, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, was authorised to confer with the Premier, with a view to an early dissolution of Parliament and an appeal to the country early in December. It is anticipated that the Reform and United parties will stand together as iri Lhe present Coalition. Tjlm Leader of tho Opposition asked the Prime Minister in the House to-day if ho was yet in a position to indicate when the session would end, and whether the elections would he held at the usual time. The Rt. Hon G. W. Forbes: I can only say that the matter is under consideration. (Laughter.)