FUTURE OF COALITION

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18529, 16 October 1934, Page 11

FUTURE OF COALITION

REFORM CONFERENCE RESULT NOT DISCLOSED LEADERS TO CONFER

(Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. The Reform members’ private meeting called by the R’t. Hon J. G. Coates to-day will have an important bearing on the future position of the Coalition arrangement, though its significance will not be obvious until the two leader.*. have had a discussion at the request of to-day’s meeting, which was lengthy. Though the Hon. W. Downie Stewart has not been in agreement with his Reform colleagues regarding one outstanding policy point, he attended the meeting, and another interesting figure w,as Mr W. J. Poison, member for 'Stratford, who is regarded as an Independent. At the conclusion, Mr Coates banded

the press the following statement: “The gathering held this morning was in pursuance of a promise given to members prior to the meeting of Parliament. The meeting discussed various matters. Particular reference was made to the many problems dealt with, and general appreciation was expressed of the manner in which the Government had grappled with them. No party'political significance attaches to the discussions. “At the request of members present Mr Coates was asked to discuss with the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes several matters of common interest affecting tho Government programme.” Mr Coates was asked if he would indicate the subjects for discussion with the Prime Minister, but he smilingly declined to give even a hint.