POLITICAL SITUATION.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 February 1923, Page 3

POLITICAL SITUATION.

MEETING OF LIBERALS. SPECIAL TO OUAIIDIAN. WELLINGTON'. February fi. Owing to the absence of one or two members of the Party, who were unable to reach Wellington in time to take part in the proceedings, the Lib-eral-Labour caucus h-ld yesterday, after sitting for nearly three hours mljotirned till to-.fiiy. It is unofficially reported that there was a good attendance. and that the position and future attitude of the Party were discussed with enthusiasm and the utmost harmony on all materia! prints. Mr [silt was the only invited member of the Party who declined to altend and in a letter expressing his inability to be present he reaffirmed his continued adhesion to Liberal principles. Messrs Witty and Bell were not invited, but iL is understood their svmpnlhies are with the Party except on the crucial test of no-confidence in the Government. Mr Rtnthnm is standing aloof from the parties just now. and the indications are that lie is being offered nominal ion for the Speakership on terms that will involve no renunciation of Ids political principles. The general opinion in political circles is that on a direct motion of noconfidence the Government would have a majority of three, consisting id' the Liberal members. Messrs Tsilt, Witty and Bull pledged to oppose any such motion, while the Liberals are unable to form a majority independent ol Labour. It by no means follows, however. that Mr Massey would eoieen't Lo carry with such a narrow and unstable margin of safety. He and bis friends appear increasingly auxins to arrive fit an understanding with Ilia Liberal Party as a whole.