NOT INVITED

Hokitika Guardian, 15 February 1933, Page 5

NOT INVITED

CAUCUS ABSENTEES

COALITION PARTY MEETING.

(Per Press Association — Copyright.)

WELLINGTON, February 14

■A caucus of iho Coalition Party was held this morning. Interviewed after the rising, Mr Forbes said the meeting had been held for the parposj of placing the legislative programme before members. The three 'Coalitionists not invited were Messrs Veitch, Wright and Harris.

Mr Harris said : “I have not received any invitation to attend,the caucus. The fins'o intimation I had that the confidence of the Coalition was to be withheld from me, was in to-day’s press. However, I can scarcely believe- that this represents the opinions of the leaders of the party since I have received no intimation of any kind from either of them. My attitude towards the high exchange policy of the Government, has been quite straightforward, and the leaders were well aware of my opposition thereto. This I made quite clear at the Caucus immediately preceding the resumption of the season.” It is reported that Mr McDougall also was not Invited to the- Caucus.

These four members, with Mr Stallworthy and the Independents, voted against the -Government on the exchange manipulation, issue.

STATEMENT by premier

MERELY DOMESTIC MATTER-

WiF/LLI'NGTON, February 14

TII3 members of the Coalition Party attended a Caucus to-dav. The Prime Minister stated the meeting was called to give the members an opportunity of discussing the legislation which remained to be' dealt with before Parliament adjourned. The question of granting exemptions from the sales fax was discussed. Mr Forbes said it was hoped to he able to conclude the business of Parliament within three weeks.

Questioned regarding the absentees from the Caucus th© Prime Minister said that several members of the party were not present. Asked if any significance attached to the fact that certain members had not received invitations to the Caucus, Mr Forbes, said: “You had better go and see those members. It is a domestic,matter. | In reply to a question as to whether the Caucus would be the last to te held this session, Mr Forbes said thatit was quite rcpsible that there would , be other meetings.