THE GOVERNMENT CAUCUS.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 18 September 1901, Page 3

THE GOVERNMENT CAUCUS.

[DUE PARLIAMENTARY REPORTER.] “Not a Happy Family.” The ’Frisco Mail Service. Members Salaries. Wellington, This Day. The proceedings at the Government Caucus do not appear to have been fully described in the official report banded to the Press. In the first place there were only about two dozen members present, and it is reported that several of the absentees stayed away on purpose, not feeling disposed to be brought under the last of the party whip. Further, those who were present were not altogether a happy family, and the Dictator did not have things all his way.

One source of trouble was the San Francisco Mail Service, as to the virtues of which members are by no means agreed. The Premier and the Postmaster General will, however, do their best to get the House to agree to a continuance of that service.

Then the representation of New Zealand at the coronation in June next year was discussed, and hero again there was disagreement, The Premier wants an early session to be held next year so that he may go to England, without losing control of members, whose attitude has of late been more independent than he cares for, while members on the other hand contend that there is no reason why the usual order of things should be changed and that the remaining ministers are quite sufficient to carry on business, so far as their numbers are concerned and if they are not sufficiently able to do the work that is the fault of the Premier. That matter has not been finally set tied. It was also decided that the Counties bill should bo gone on with. I learn from a reliable source that at the Government caucus Mr Napier declared that the 'Frisco service was Auckland’s sole “ ewe lamb,” and that unless the retention were agreed to by the House the whole of the Auckland members would go into the Opposition and that the Minister of Mines would be compelled to vacate his portfolio.

The Postmaster-General intimated that resolutions would be proposed for the continuation of the contract with Speckels, and pointed out that if the Vancouver service was agreed to Auckland would be the port of call. Messrs Hornsby, Millar, R. M'Kenzie and others said there was no objection, but that they were determined to resist tooth and nail the contract with Speckels. After a somewhat heated discussion, the Premier said he would ask members to let the whips know their views regarding the raising of payment of members to £3OO, and the Cabinet would then decide whether they would bring in a bill this session.

The feeling of members generally was decidedly adverse to an early session next year. They held that it Seddon went home, Ward should carry on the Parliament meeting at the usual time.