CAUCUS OF LABOUR PARTY

Southland Times, Issue 23229, 18 June 1937, Page 6

CAUCUS OF LABOUR PARTY

VARIOUS QUESTIONS DISCUSSED (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 17. Many subjects concerning the Government’s policy were discussed at a caucus of Government members of Parliament held today. These covered a wide field, ranging from the cost of living to the dairy zoning work of the Executive Commission of Agriculture with a view to eliminating overlapping in the collection of cream supplies. Expectations that the caucus, would end tonight were not realized and the discussions will resume tomorrow. There was a large attendance of members, all absentees being accounted for. The caucus was the second held since the departure of the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage) from New Zealand at the end of March. It was explained by influential members of the party that there was no special significance in holding a caucus during the absence of Mr Savage and other members of the Ministry. The holding of a caucus during the parliamentary recess was merely indicative of the party’s policy in keeping members fully informed on matters of policy. The caucus also gave members an opportunity to put on record the reactions of the public to the Government’s legislation. At the end of the meeting tonight the acting Prime Minister (the Hon P. Fraser) stated that the matters discussed included those affecting the cost of living, housing, including the rents for Government houses, the present unemployment situation, dairy zoning, internal marketing and the general question of economic policy. Questions likely to be discussed tomorrow included broadcasting and the Government’s policy on B stations.