THE LIBERAL CAUCUS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1023, 26 March 1912, Page 3

THE LIBERAL CAUCUS.

THE ATTITUDE OF LABOUR.

As to the caucus, says the Post, it is generally recognised that the labour members took a very prominent part, although they had all along made it pertectly clear that they were there merely as onlookers, not necessarily identifying themselves with the party, but interested in seeing what course would be adopted, and not averse to trying to shape that course. Sir Joseph Ward, it is admitted, gave the combined party a perfectly free hand, and an assurance of his assistance and support in the future. The Hon- J. A. Millar was the first to be proposed as Leader, and the possibility of electing Sir James Carroll was also mentioned as an alternative. Labour made it clear from the beginning that it would have nought to do with either of the two, even though the wrecking of the party was the sole alternative. Hours were spent in pointing out to Labour that Mr Millar and Sir James Carroll had devoted the best years of their lives to the interests of the Liberal Party, long before the present representatives of Labour were concerned in matters political, but the Labour three (Messrs Veitch, Robertson, and Payne) were adamant. They would, they said, support the Hon. T. Mackenzie, against whom they had nothing to say, and who, they knew, had the confidence of the small farmers of the Dominion. It is also stated that present Ministers and all the rank and file pledged themselves to loyally support the new administration.