A MINISTERIAL CAUCUS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8855, 4 July 1907, Page 3

A MINISTERIAL CAUCUS.

Press Association. Wellington, July 3,. At the Government caucus- to-day 56 were present and others accounted for. The Premier congratulated them on the largo attendance and thanked them for their expressions of welcome. He said this Was the first caucus since he had become the head of the Government and he hoped many future meetings would be held to discuss matters of importance. They could not discuss policy measures, but he hoped the party as a whole would keep in close touch with Government upon important measures. Ho indicated as measures Parliament should'put through this session tfye Land Bill, tho Native Land Bill, and the Customs Tariff. It was important that the arbitration system should be amended so as to ensure the continuance of its benefits. He also hoped to put through a classification and superannuation scheme for the civil service. Developments in the postal and -railway departments necessitated alterations since the ro-classifioation scheme. Eeferring to Mr Hall-Jones, he said three doctors who examined him the day he (Sir Joseph Ward) returned were hopeful. If on his return he were unhappily not restored to health ho would consider the question of filling tho vacancy. ‘ The caucus passed a resolution of loyalty to the Government. ]