REFORM CAUCUS.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 January 1923, Page 1

REFORM CAUCUS.

PROBABLE LINE OF ACTION

OVERTURES TO liberals

< Lvttclton Times Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, January 10. Reform member.-; commenced to gather to-day in anticipation of Thursday’s caucus of the party, which is to be held in the afternoon. Inquiries bear out the former indication that the prime Minister will be able to show his supporters that he can command a sufficient majority to at least see him through the short session, though no one is optimistic enough to suggest that the Government could carry on the ordinary business of Parliament under the conditions which make it possible to view the first trial of strength with something like equanimity. The position as it appeals to Parliamentarians at the moment is largely one of the late of parties. The wider issue of responsibility for currying on the country’s government is temporarily set aside, as the urgent matter is that of life or death of parties. There is some dissatisfaction evident among Reform members with certain Ministers, particularly the Hon. T). IT. Giitliiio, Minister of Railways, whose administration they declare was a source of embarrassment to them when lighting the election. This raises the issue of readjustment of the Ministry, hut the Prime Minister lias given no hint so far that he will attempt- this delicate task at the present juncture.

As for the caucus, it will hear from Air Ala-scy his plans for the short session and get the position explained in a fairly optimistic manner. However, it is likely that the meeting will look further ahead and that some preparation will be made for putting the occupants of the Ministerial benches on a more secure footing than that dependent on snatch t otes. No legislative programme could be conducted with the position as it will become, known to Government supporters, therefore they are likely to make overture- to the Liberals to secure their support for a modified programme. The outstanding items which are expected to appeal to their erstwhile opponents are electoral reform and redtioeil taxation It may found tb >r Ihe opinion of ftovcrniiicnt members as it is slowly forming upon these lines mav be put on record formallv as a basis of negotiation. What tlie Liberals will say is difficult to predict at so early a stage, but some official Opposition have made no see ret of (heir belief that they anticipate an attempt to pul them offsidel by such a movement. Willi politics in a disturbed -tare however, the opinions of to-nav may undergo speedy modification as circumstances elr ngo. Tf any offer is made the Government party it must be ns.- .tried that feeling in the count!y. outside purely party lines, rimy have considerable influence on both sides. REFORM PARTY'S CAUCUS. nv TEI.KGRAI‘H PRESS ASSN., COPYRIGHT. WELLINGTON. January 11. A meeting of the Reform Party was held to-day. All the members were present, exec pi three, who were unavoidably absent from illness and other causes. The meeting lasted all the afternoon. At its close the Prime Minister, said it was a great success.

Resolutions were passed affirming the confidence of the party in the Lender, and stating that in the present state of New Zealand he was the best man available. ft ws stated that what had to be fought was. a revolutionary element, and the members present promised whole-hearted support in this connection.

The leaders wore congratulated on the manner in which they had steered the country through a period of financial depression, and generally on the manner in which they administered the affairs of the Dominion. Tf is believed that when tbe House meets. Mr Massey will have a small majority.