CHECK ON CABINET

Hokitika Guardian, 25 October 1933, Page 8

CHECK ON CABINET

A NEW .MOVEMENT IN POLITICS

DEMAND FOR consultations. WELLINGTON, October 19. An entirely mew movement of more than passing importance 'has developed within the ranks of the .Coalition party, and has all the elements of per- j manency .behind it. It is neither a wing nor a leave, an alignment nor a breakaway, yet its influence has already been felt, and members outside the little coterie are thoroughly intrigued by the activities and success of their more enterprising colleagues. 1 One of the outstanding complaints of rank and file members held up against the leaders of the Coalition during the first eighteen months of its existence was the failure of Cabinet to consult the caucus before committing the Government to drastic policy legislation. On occasions members h.’.d to swallow almost without preparation an unicoated legislative pill, and it is now a matter of history that defections from, the party were mainly attributable to what can be termed excessive executive domination. An outstanding example was the Government’s manipulation of exchange. From that time the position changed somewhat, and the .holding of more frequent ca ll cuses suggested that the Ministry had begun to appreciate the wisdom of consulting the rank and file feafore embarking on adventurous moves. AH thi s notwithstanding, a section of members came to the conclusion 'that Government legislation required even closer scrutiny and analysis and individual consideration tfia>n was possible during a general discussion caucus, when .principles rather than details predominate. I Accordingly between ' five and eight of 'them icame together, held several meetings, and consulted the leaders of the Government on questions concern-* ing which Ministerial explanations have not completely satisfied them. ) Prominent in the movement are Mes r "s A. E. .(Ohalmei’s)j F. Lye rtVamcafo), A. E. Jull (Waipawa), J. fr. Hargest (Invercargill), and W. J.. Rroadfoot '(Waitomo). \ Other members have had unofficial association with the group, whjch, however, is unlikely to seek an extension t beyond it s present personnel. In the proposals of the Reserve Bank. Bill lies the origin of the development described, and it is understood that as a result of the representations of this committee useful concessions, calculated to be in the interests of the country, have already been m?de. The group will continue as /it has started,' and apply the. magnifying glass to all policy .decisions, with <a view to .preventing,.a. return to the Cabinet .domination of a year ago.