PREMIER OFF TO LONDON

Hokitika Guardian, 29 May 1930, Page 6

PREMIER OFF TO LONDON

IF PARLIAMENT AGREES

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.

WELLINGTON. May 28.

With the agreement of Parliament the Prime Minister (Hon G. W. Forbes) will attend the forthcoming Imperial Conference as New Zealand’s representative.

The Government has a fairly substantial legislative programme for submission to the House, but in view of its lack of a working majority, the risk of a quick defeat is always present, and, however important his attendance at the councils of Empire might be, the Prime Minister could hardly leave the House in session with the knowledge that the first adviceihe. received on reaching London, might be that he was no longer in office.

Accordingly, it is authoritatively learned that Mr Foilbes, as soon as jtlie coming session of iPalrltanient opens, will seek an. assurance from the-. Beform. and- the- Labour-.Parties that h.o adverse motion against the administration will he carried if he makes the trip Home before the business for the session is disposed of. In support of this appeal, it is understood, the Prime Minister will outline the main measures the Government proposes to introduce, and gi-ve top place on the Order Paper to the policy bills over which there are likely to he differences of opinion, so that these can. he dealt with in the first two months of the session.

To b e in London in time for the conference, Mr Forbes woud have to leave New Zealand by the end of August, or the beginning of September, at the latest; and if the House is agreeable to the course, it is suggested that he will propose that the Hon. E. A. Ransom, as Deputy-Lead-er of the Government, will he left in charge for the remainder of the session.

Apart from the Imperial' aspect those in close touch with Empire affairs consider that there are many important reasons why New Zealand should be represented at this year’s conference, and represented by its Prime Minister.