TODAY’S PARLIAMENT

Southland Times, Issue 18967, 14 June 1923, Page 5

TODAY’S PARLIAMENT

THREE PARTIES MEET REPORT OF THE REFORM CAUCUS (Per United Press Association). WELLINGTON, June 13. The three political parties held a caucus to-day. Mr Wilford, when interviewed, said that the best way to describe the gathering was to say that “it was a happy family.” All members of the Party were present or accounted for. It was resolved that Mr Wilford should offer the Hon. D. H. Guthrie, who is ill, a pair. The Labour caucus unanimously re-elect-ed Mr Holland chairman. It was reported afterwards that, if necessary, Labour would see that the Hon. D. H. Guthrie got a pair. It was nearly 11 o’clock tonight when the Reform caucus concluded. The following official statement was made to the press representatives:—“The Party had a good meeting, and a good spirit pervaded the proceedings. Every member was accounted for. The business that was intended to be brought before Parliament was discussed and a number of very valuable suggestions were made, which would be put before the House at the proper time. The Prime Minister reported that preparations for the work of the session were well forward and that by the time the Governor-General’s speech had been dealt with, the financial statement would be ready. The meeting unanimously expressed the opinion that the Prime Minister should represent Nr*w Zealand at the forthcoming Imperial Conference, and arrangements that might be necessary for the conduct of the country’s business in Parliament, the caucus decided, should be left to the Prime Minister to deal with. A resolution of sympathy with the Hon. D. H. Guthrie and the Hon. Sir William Fraser, both of whom are ill, was passed and the hope expressed • that they would soon be restored to health. A message having been received from the Leader of the Opposition that the Liberal-Labour Party were willing to find a pair for the Hon. D. H. Guthrie during the session, the meeting expressed great gratification at the action of the Opposition Party.