COALITION PLANS

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXVIII, Issue 29, 26 January 1933, Page 3

COALITION PLANS

NOT YET COMPLETE GOVERNMENT VOTING POWER WELLINGTON, Last Night. In spite of the gap of seven weeks between the adjournment of Parliament before Christmas and the resumption to-morrow, it is understood that Cabinet is not yet ready to present its further relief legislation, and it may be some days before it is in a position to acquaint members of the details of its complete policy. Several more hours were spent by members in free discussion at the Coalition caucus to-day, the exchange issue again occupying most of the time. There was some more particularly straight talking by opponents of high exchange. Although it was originally intended that the Prime Minister should make a full statement when the House met to-morrow evening, there is a likelihood now that he will not lie ready to do so until Friday. Having heard the opinions of Government members on a variety of questions. Cabinet is now stated to be prepared to complete its preparations for the framing of its emergency legislation. Apart from one or two major decisions it was considered more desirable to wait until the caucus had been held before going beyond tire drawing-up of the revised programme in more than broad outline. Statement Later The original intention was that the Prime Minister would make a statement to the House to-morrow evening, indicating just what would be done and probably sketching the existing budgetary position and financial outlook. As further finishing touches may have to be put to the policy, its import might not be made known until Friday, while it might not be revealed in full for some days, although the Government is naturally anxious to let Parliament know as soon as possible what is ahead of it. There were two notable absentees from the Coalition caucus to-day— Mr. AA’. Downie Stewart and Mr. R. A. Wright. The last-named has declared himself as completely opposed to the Government on the high exchange question. Mr. Stewart spent the whole of the previous day at the meeting, but as he is at present busy completing work connected with the portfolio of Finance, which he has resigned, he was unable to attend. Much speculation is still 1 being indulged in concerning those Coalition members who will vote against the Government in the House. Botli Mr. A. J. Stallworthy (Eden) and Mr. R. A. Wright (Wellington Suburbs) have made their position quite clear, and they will certainly record their votes against high exchange. Only two more, Messrs. A. Harris (\\ aiteniata) and AW A. A’eitch (Wanganui ) can be said with a degree of certainty to be possible opponents at the moment. Even they may decide ' not to express open hostility. Discipiinary Measu res There is every likelihood that stern ‘’disciplinary measures" might be taken by the Prime Minister against numbers who vote against the Goven ment on such a vital issue, and as this usually involves expulsion from the party there might not be many who will be prepared to go so far as to break with the Government, especially in view of the pledge of support given at the elections just a vear ago. Mr. Forbes has said in respect of action against possible opponents that he prefers to Li..e his hurdles as he conies to them, so that it cannot be predicted what action, if any, will be taken against those who vote against their party. As far as Mr. Stewart is concerned he has made no statement that he will vote against the Government, ami lie is still a member of the party. Ii is understood that his future attitude will depend largely on the course of events. Although he is believed to have made up his mind quite definitely about thei stand he will take when the bill appears to indemnify the banks against exchange losses, apparently the first public intimation of Mr. Stewart's intentions will be given in the House. Ex-Minister Congratulated The notice “Minister of Finance and Customs’’ no longer adorns the entrance to Mr. Stewart’s suite of offices. However, he is still in occupation of his Ministerial quarters. Telegrams and letters commending the stand taken by him continue to reach him in' large numbers. It is understood that the congratulatory messages are not confined to personal

friends and commercial interests, but include many from those engaged in farming. Air. Stallworthy's position was discussed in an interview by tne Piinie Minister to-day. He said that in view of his public statements he could probably be regarded as having definitely severed his connection with the Government. “He could probably quite rightly be regarded as among those who wish to see Mr. Coates ami me out." he added, recalling also that Mr. Stallworthy pad been absenting himself from the Coalition caucuses. The Labour Party will hold a caucus to-morrow morning, anu policy questions will then be decided upon, as well as the attitude party will adopt toward the Government emergency legislation. It will not be known until Labour memoeis meet whether the first opportunity will bi? taken in the House to move a no-confidence motion, although it is expected that this will be done. The work of the House is apparently i>. j be pushed tor ward as quickly as possible by the Government. Aftur this week-end it is intended to sit on every day of the week except Sunday so that the session can >. a linUlmd within a month or six weeiw. As i!o further emergency relict legislation has not been Iranrnd i.y the Government so far. some of uie work already before the House will probably be taken for a start. 11.8. Herald. RATE REMISSION' (fUiSHOA NO CABINET DECISION WELLINGTON. Last Night. The Government has not decided to grant a rebate of 25 per cent, on county council rates this year. A rumour has been current that it v.as proposed to take this course as a further measure of assistance to farmers. the source of the money being the main highways fund. The subject was mentioned to the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. G. AV. Forbes) to-day. “The Minister of Finance (the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates) has not had time to go into thqt question yet," replied-Mr. Forbes. “He has just taken over the portfolio. and he will require some time in order to go thoroughly into the whole financial position. So far the Government has decided nothing in regard to this matter.”