REFORM CAUCUS

Hokitika Guardian, 19 April 1928, Page 4

REFORM CAUCUS

11 AItMOXJOUS M EETING. (Christchurch “Press’’ report) WELLINGTON, April 17. As tt result of to-day’s caucus the Reform Party emerges stronger and more united than ever. The Licensing question was discussed amicably, and a resolution was passed expressing renewed confidence in the Prime Minister (Mr Coates) as Leader of the Party. All members of the Party were accounted for at tin- meeting. There was an attendance of forty-three and apologies were received from Messrs l rti. Girling. Roll. Glenn. Burnett, Camphell and Harris. The two remaining members, the Hon. Mr Anderson and Mi- 11. L. Tapley, are at- present out of the country. Interviewed after the meeting terminated. the Prime Minister said that (lie general business related to matters always discussed in Parliamentary circles—many questions that would come up for consideration at the forthcoming session of Parliament, general organisation matters affecting the General Election campaign, and many difficulties individual nieniliers had experienced in their constituencies in regard to Departmental administration. “Was the licensing issue discussed?” the Prime Minister was asked. “Yes along with many other matters.’ - replied Mr Coates, who added that the proceedings throughout had been of the most harmonious character. He declined to he drawn on an enquiry as to whether the date of the session had been fixed for the normal time (the third week in June), remarking with a smile, “members may make arrangements op to June 7th” (the date to which Parliament has-been formally prorogued.) The following resolution was pa sed by caucus: “That this meeting of Reform members in the House of Representatives expresses its appreciation of the action of the Prime Minister in arranging for this meeting of the Patty. and also its satisfaction with the manner in' which the business has been placed before it ; and. further, that the Parliamentary members of the Party desire again to record their entire confidence in the Prime Minister as Leader of the Party. General satisfaction has been expressed with the tone of the proceedings before the caucus. It is stated that the vexed licensing question was the subject of amicable discussion, and that the general expression of ojionion in that connexion was that the welfare of the country, as far as the Party was concerned, came first. No official intimation has been given as to whether any decision was reached regarding licensing, hut the opinion