POLICY MATTERS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1145, 11 September 1913, Page 4

POLICY MATTERS.

DISCUSSED BY GOVERNMENT PARTY.

LAND, LICENSING AND BIBLE-IN-SCHOOLS.

Some important policy questions were discussed at a caucus of the Government Party on Saturday. All the members of the party were present or accounted for.

The Prime Minister explained the provisions of the Land Bill, which was received with expressions of the highest approval. "One of the finest Bills ever brought down” was the way in which a member of the party expressed himself. The question of licensing legislation was also discussed. Incidentally it may be added that it is understood that on this or any other subject members will be required to keep to their election pledges, and that no proposal will be made to alter the three-fifths majority at licensing polls. As to the question of a referendum on the subject of Bible reading in schools, the caucus expressed that in the present unsettled slate of public opinion, the time was not opportune for bringing in any legislation. The caucus also considered the question of the programme of Government business for the remainder of the session, and it was agreed that no matter of importance to the country shall be dropped even though the session runs in consequence to extraordinary length.—Post.