REFORM CAUCUS

Hokitika Guardian, 28 May 1925, Page 2

REFORM CAUCUS

THE PREMIERSHIP. HON J. G. COATES SELECTED. [by tki. sett a ini—mat l-nnss association. WELLINGTON, May 27. The Reform Party caucus sat to-day from 2.30 p.m. to 0 p.in. Sir I'litniis Bell. Prime Minister, presided. Beyond the statement that the Holt. .); (I, (‘mites wiis elected I’rime Minister no iJlicial comiluiliiciition has beoti made.

It is unofficially reported that Air Coates was unanimously chosen. A further official pronoun omont probably will be made late this evening.

After making the announcement regarding the .selection oi Hon. Mr. Coates sis leader, the Iteloi'ni ib'uly etieerod its new head. Sir F. Bell was asked what is to he done next. He atlswered; —“T shall ask lor an appointment wiili tiie Governor-General to-morrow-. Sir E. Bod will then tender his resignation. His Excellency will seek the advice of the retiring Premier a- to whom ho should solid for. S!ir F. I). Bell will name Mr Coates, Wellington. May 27. It is getiera lie believed that Mr Coates will select all the fnehihei'K of the present Cabinet, for olfiee, unless Kir Heaton Rhodes who has expressed a wish to retire does so. WELLINGTON. May 27.

Mr (!. Witty, who attended the Reform .•miens to-day left early. He said lie did not vote on tin: question of leadership, lie was offered a voting paper, 'mi he did not vote. His pledge stood to-day just as if -Mr Ala.ssoy was ahvo. Mr L. M. Hitt wlm also i« ek>-*M>d as an independent, attended the caucus, but he did not vote on the question of the leadership. A third independent. Mr Bell, "as also at the caucus. He voted.