REFORM CAUCUS FAILS TO AGREE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 184, 5 August 1931, Page 7

REFORM CAUCUS FAILS TO AGREE.

UNANIMITY WANTED IN FUTURE ACTION. (Special to the “ Star.”) WELLINGTON, August 5. Reformers are finding it extremely difficult to reconcile the opposing opinions in the party’ towards the Government’s taxation proposals. There is a very definite body of opinion among them inclined to take extreme measures, and the series of caucuses which have already’ been held have failed to produce unanimity in regard to a more moderate course. As evidence of anxietv in the party* over the situation, there was a special caucus after the termination of last night’s sitting of the House, but this did not conclude until 12.30 am. and . still no decision had been reached. This was followed by a further caucus this afternoon. When the caucus adjourned at 1 o’clock, Mr Coates stated that he had nothing to announce yet. He indicated that members of the party would meet again later this afternoon. Reform supporters are convinced that the taxation proposals should be resisted with all the strength of the party, and that either by promoting a hostile amendme t themselves, which would be certain of support from the Labour Party’, or by giving support to such a move from the other cam:', they’ should precipitate a political crisis and proceed to the country. On the other hand, it is counselled that no direct step should l>e taken until the Land and Income Tax and Customs Amendment Bills giving definite effect to the Budget proposals appear before the House. It is understood that the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Coates, is anxious to secure unanimity’ of opinion in any’ action that may’ be taken, but the circumstances suggest that this may be impossible of achievement. Some Reformers arc believed to hold the view that the Prime Minister i* taking the only’ reasonable course in balancing his Budget and that the Reform Partv itself would be obliged to take similar action if it held the reins of office. Outside the Reform circles, it is speculated that the Minister of Finance in the last Reform Cabinet, the Hon W. Downie Stewart, realises that he could take no different course from that now l>eing pursued. The previous indication that the Labour Party would take no action on the Budget debate is borne out by* the decision of its caucus to-day’. The official report states that it was decided that Labour would move no amendment in the Budget debate, but that when the taxation proposals embodied in the Land and Income Tax Amendment and Customs Act Amendment Bills are before the House, the detailed proposals will be criticised and in general opposed. It is understood that the Labour Party* has particularly in mind tea, sugar and other taxes which, in it* opinion, must increase the cost of living. The amendments will consequently be moved in the committee stage of these Bills. UNITED PARTY'S POLICY IN CHRISTCHURCH NORTH. " The committee has not yet selected a candidate for Christchurch North, but is watching events in Wellington very' closely’; if anything happens there to justify' immediate action we can put a candidate in the field at once,” said Mr R. B. Dailey, Canterbury organiser of the United Party’, when asked to-day what action was being taken in regard to the Christchurch North electorate.

Mr Dailey stated that Mr E. IT. Andrews, who was the United candidate for Christchurch North at the last general election, had definitely declined to submit himself for selection this year. Two or three other candidates were offering, but in the event of the election taking place much before the usual time one of them would not be available. In these circumstances the committee was not prepared to make its selection just yet.

With regard to a suggestion that there would be no United candidate for Christchurch North if the Reform Party decided not to contest the Kaiapoi seat. Mr Dailey said that nothing of the kind had ever been considered by the United Party. What the Reform Party did in regard to Kaiapoi was purely a matter for that party* to decide. If there is no Reform candidate for Kaiapoi it does not follow that there will be no United candidate for Christchurch North,” he added. “ 'Hie two electorates are not bound up with each other in the slightest.” Avon and Lyttelton.

A policy* of watching the Reform Party’s actions in Parliament is being adopted by* the United Party in regard to both the Lyttelton and Avon electorates. The United Party has men available as candidates for both these electorates and can put them in the field at twenty-four hours’ notice if necessary. It is considered probable, however, that if the Reform Party does not deliberately* obstruct the Government in connection with its Budget proposals it will be given a clear run against the sitting Labour members in Avon and Lyttelton. Already Mr F. W. Freeman is in the field as the Reform candidate for Ly'ttelton and Mr F. B. Hughes, who was the Reform nominee for the Avon seat three years ago, is said to be likely to be selected to contest the seat this year. The United Party has selected its candidates for all the other electorates under the jurisdiction of the North Canterbury Executive.