POLITICAL NOTES

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18419, 27 June 1925, Page 14

POLITICAL NOTES

(SPECIAL TO "THE I'KESS.") WELLINGTON, June -G.

Fusion. The caucus meetings of the Beform and Liberal parties were held tonight, commencing at 7.50 o'clock. The Eeform Caucus ended just before midnight: The Hon. J. G. Coatos stated that, the question of the fusion had been fully discussed in detail, after receiving a report from tho four delegates who met tlv? Liberal delegates last week. It was decided unanimously to appoint the samo delegates to meet the Liberal delegates, and acquaint them with the views of the Eeform Party Caucus. At 1L'.40 a.m. tho Liberal caucus concluded. Mr Wilford reported that a resolution had been passed authorising tho former delegates, after receiving; the views of tho Beform Party, to confer further, if necessary.

"Tho Clarion Call to Unity." Members listened with interest and curiosity this afternoon when Mr 11. Atmore, who occupies a seat on the Liberal side of the House, aud of late has been acting as advance agent for the suggested National Party, broke off in tho middle of his references to the late Mr Massey to speak of "the clarion call to unity." This, he went on to describe as a call to the "big men," who had an opportunity to-day to got together—a clarion call to get together to forward the interests of Empire. Travellers' Franchise. Mr dc la Pcrrelle (Awarua) has given notice to ask the Minister in charge of the Electoral Department whether he will see that provision is made in an amendment to the Act whereby persons whose occupations necessitate travelling from one electorate to another and who are unable to put in three months' resi deuce, nro not disfranchised. Ho slates that under the Legislature Amendment Act, 1924, no provision is made for the registration of such persons, although they may have resided in New Zealand all their'lives aud have voted at previous olections. Export of Potatoes. Mr i\ J. EollOston (Timaru) will ask the Minister of Agriculture whether the Government will make some reciprocal arrangement with Australia regarding the importation into that country of potatoes from New Zealaud, as the existing regulations are said to constitute practically an embargo on the export of potatoes into the Commonwealth, lie says that there is every likelihood of an over-supply of potatoes this season, and it is desirable that potatogrowers should be encouraged. Motor Taxation. Mr D. G. Sullivan (Avon) will ask the Prime Minister whether it is his intention this session to amend the Public Works Act, Motor Vehicles Act, and other legislation, and the regulations issued thereunder that prescribe fees, licenses, and taxes on motor vehicles engaged in trade with a view to making such charges more reasonable and less as a burden on industry and commerce. Ho mentioned that on a one-ton truck tho owner pays tyro-tax, registration fee £l, annual license £2, heavy traffic tax £9; on 2;iewt the fees arc registration £l, license £>, heavy traffic ta.v £10; on a two-ton truck tho fees are .tyre-tax, registration £l, license £5, heavy traffic tax £2B; the total on three small vehicles is therefore £(iß. Petition for War Pension. Mr Sullivan has presented a petition from John David Perry, of Eichmond, Christchurch, praying that a retrospective war pension bo paid to him as from October, 1918, to October, 1922, in respect to tho death of hie soldier son, or that such other relief as may appear just aud equitable may bo granted.