PROSPECTS BRIGHT.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 462, 3 August 1915, Page 11

PROSPECTS BRIGHT.

THE NATIONAL CABINET.

BASIS OF EQUALITY. [From our own Parliamentary Reporter.] . WELLINGTON, August 3. Prospects for coalition still seem very bright, and many "doubting Thomases" are lfiuch less emphatic in their pessimism than they have been for weeks. Of course, the result of yesterday's conference of prominent party men with the Governor is not being divulged, but it is generally believed that a basis of understanding was practically arrived at. There have been several indications that the formation of a National Cabinet within the next few days is not at all an unlikely happening. The settlement is expected to be on a basis closely approximating to equality of the parties, and the Liberals will almost certainly have one of the most important portfolios at the present time, Finance or Defence. They-will most probably get Finance, which will be in the hands of Sir Joseph Ward. The minor portfolios will be equally distributed.

One indication that coalition is well within the bounds of probability is that members are discussing plans for spending their time during the expected coming adjournment of the House, Canterbury members especially, and others who take an interest in horse racing are quietly jubilant that they will be able to attend the forthcoming Christchurch race meetings.

Perhaps the only necessity for an adjournment over such a comparatively long period is the formation of a National Cabinet, and if this should take place several days will be necessary for new Ministers to settle in their offices, and for Cabinet to agree upon its course of policy- ■ \

Should there be a coalition the session will almost certainly come to an abrupt end. There are several reasons for this,.the.most important is that controversial matters cannot be brought down. It is well-known that when a matter of policy is disputed in the Cabinet the majority rules, and those Ministers who formed the minority must loyally stand to the majority, when the measure is eventually brought before the House. v

In case of a Coalition Ministry, however, this propostion can "hardly stand, except in the case of war measures, which the Liberals have always said they would not oppose. Should Liberals be admitted to the Cabinet, several proposed Bills will have to be abandoned.

The cause for adjournment in case of coalition is that the Budget and Taxation Bills will haVe to be thoroughly revised. The present Government has had its Budget completed for some time, and has been waiting for an opportunity to bring it down, but, if the Liberals are to be admitted to the most intimate council of the Dominion, there must necessarily be a considerable change. Should coalition not take place, the Government's taxing proposals are bound to be subjected to a great deal of criticism by Liberal members, and, probably, by certain members on the Government side. Any possible Coalition Ministry will, of course, desire to eliminate all matters on which they might have set up a strenuous opposition.

OPPOSITION CAUCUS POSTPONED Press Association. WELLINGTON, August 3. A caucus of members of the Opposition Party was to have been held this morning, to hear the results of yesterday's conference between the leaders of the two parties on the question of a National Government. Owing, however, to. the fact that a number of members of the party, who were away for the week-end, had not yet returned to Wellington, it was decided to adjourn the caucus until to-morrow.