ABSENTEES FROM CAUCUS

Hokitika Guardian, 1 July 1924, Page 4

ABSENTEES FROM CAUCUS

QUIET PARTY ATMOSPHERE. (Lyttelton Times). WELLINGTON. June 27

The three parties have bail their private meetings, which, according to reports, have not reflected some of the highly interesting developments in the country prior to the session. For instance, Mr Dickson, memher for Parnell, who so plainly stated in a Press interview the Govenimem's inabihty to survive the session, continues to act as senior Government Whip, doing his best to maintain tHo majority of three, and it is Hie general impression that if the Prime Al mister sustains bis full supply of tact, there will be no worse hazards !.;r ministerialists during the session.

The absence of Air Rollestoii. member for Timani, from the Governmeni. caucus is tlie most talked ol event today. .Members are allowed to draw their own conclusions for Mr Rolleston. though a political tyro can keep his own counsel and nobody lias been able definitely to ascertain whether his action was significant. It may he •.mother instance of the recent remarkable development which prompts certain members whose party .allegiance ts not questioned to decline attendance at i aliens. Air Harris < Waitcinnln), Mr Rotter (WoskilH and Sir John Luke tWellington North) are said to he among the number who regularly stay away from the Government caucus. Then there are definite independents. Messrs Witty. Bell and Poland, who have iheir own room though no party organisation, and Mr Isitt. whose po*iiir.u a-, a pledged supporter <•! the Government on a no-eonlidenee inolion il ihe alternative to Betorin means Labour in a position to dictate. has resulted in his decision not tu attend I i hern I meetings, though lie maintains strong Liberal principles. The" Labour Party lias decided to offer ihe Government a pair for Air Burnett, Temuka. during bis absence through illness.