THE COALITION PROPOSAL

Gisborne Times, Volume XLV, Issue 3988, 22 July 1915, Page 6

THE COALITION PROPOSAL

OPPOSITION CAUCUS CONCLUDED. OFFER REJECTED. THE PARTY DIVIDED. NEGOTIATIONS CONTINUING. By Telegraph—Special Corespondent WELLINGTON, .Jjdy 21. The negotiations in regard to the proposed National Cobinet do not appear to have beam brought to a finality by the further discussion of the Government’s amende proposals—said to lie a four to live offer—which took place at a further caucus of tin* Opposition party this morning. The meting which lasted about an hour and a half, was attended by all the members of the party with the exception of Messrs Hornsbv and .J. C. Thomson. No official report of the caucus was issued and the members who were present wore very reticent as to the result of the meeting. It is understood, however, that the party was not unanimous and that the proopsals of the Government wore rejected by the vote of a majority of those present, but that the negotiations have not been yet broken off. Sir .Jos. Ward had a conference this evening with the Prime Minister, hut both leaders, on being applied to subsequently for information, said that they had no statement to make and that they were unable to say when the public were likely to bo enlightened on the subject. It is reported, however, that negotiations are being continued and that the supporters of the coalition anocar to be still hopeful that something may come of tin* prolonged negotiations, which have now extended over a period of three weeks. 1 r is stated that further time is desired and that it is orobable that another meeting of the Opposition party may be heard of in a day or two to further consider the matter.