LIBERAL CAUCUS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10417, 22 March 1912, Page 3

LIBERAL CAUCUS.

long sitting resultless

CONFERENCE RESUMES TO-DAY.

[FkOM OUII CoiIUESI'ONDENT.]

WELLINGTON. March 22

Tho conference of Liberal, Labour, and Independent lumbers, called for tho purpose of selecting a leader, spent lire hours discussing tho position, and adjourned at ono o'clock this morning with the question unsettled. It was evident that tho gathering had been of a harmonious description, and'i some members of the. Party assured tho "Star's" correspondent that there was every prospect of a good understanding being reached after the position has been thoroughly discussed in a friendly way.

The Primo Minister (Sir Joseph Ward), when approached for a statement as to the result, said: " A nice gathering, with excellent feeling prevailing, and wo adjourned until eleven o'clock in the morning." Three out of tho four Labour members (-Messrs Veitch, Payne and RobertSon) and Mr Atmoro, of Nelson, wero among those present. Mr Ilindmarsh carried out his intention and attended tho Wellington City Council instead of the caucus.

The conference took place in tho Government, Whip's room, at tho Parliament Buildings, and tho greatest care was taken to prevent eavesdropping, messengers being placed so as to prevent the approach of strangers oven to the long corridor which loci to the meeting place.

COMPROMISE PROBABLE.

LEADERSHIP NOT YET DECIDED

THIRD MAN INDICATED

CABINET NOT TO BE ELECTED,

[FKOM OUR CoRttEsroNDENT.]

WELLINGTON, March 22. It was clear that the question of the leadership had not been decided when the Caucus adjourned for lunch. The matter was debated 'all tho morning. Roth Mr Millar and Mr Mackenzie had their followings, but a big minority advocated tho selection of a. new man altogether. I gather that the members expect to roach a decision by five o'clock. There is a strong probability of a compromise between the Millar and Mackenzie followings, both these Ministers retaining office under a new man. Up till to-day Mr W. D. S. Macclonald has been regarded as the third candidate for the leadership, but it is hinted that tho new Prime Minister may ho found among tho South Island members after all.

The Caucus rejected a nroposal that the Party should elect tho whole of the Cabinet, and the leader, whoever he may be. will now bo left to chooso his own colleagues.

THE LUNCHEON. "A DELICATE POSITION." THE LEADERSHIP DIFFICULTY. [F'aOM Oca CofcRKSt'OXDKNT.I WELLINGTON, March" 22. ' Sir Joseph AVard Waa entertained at lunch by the Liberal Party to-day. His health was proposed by Nil- Hanan and Mr Myers, who said, that the difficulty in regard to tho leadership would be overcome amicably. Tliev prophesied Sir Joseph Ward's return to a high position within a few years. Sir Joseph AVard, replying, said that tho amity which prevailed was bound to have a successful result in what, was admittedly a delicate position. He spoke strongly in favour of electoral reform and tho abolition of the use of motors at elections, and advocated the use of State'motor-ears in elections for carrying electoral officers and scrutineers around to country voters, and to tho sick and infirm. Nobody needed rest more than himself, lie said. He intended to take a, good holiday and would visit all parts of tho country to see how tho political land lay.

PARTY STILL CONFERRING

MORNING SESSION RESULTLESS. [Picr Press Association.] "WELLINGTON, March 22.

The Liberal Party met again this morning, but at 1 p.m. adjourned till 2.15 p.m., with nothing to announce. Sir Joseph Ward is being entertained bv tho members at lunch.

' At tho luncheon to Sir Joseph AVard, Mr Hanan proposed, and Mr Myers seconded. tho Prime Minister's health.

Sir Joseph AA'ard. responding, thanked the party, including Liberal, Labour and Independent members, for its support. He added that lie would not be sorry to get a holiday.