NATIONAL CABINET.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1419, 3 July 1915, Page 3

NATIONAL CABINET.

PARTY LEADERS MEET, NO FURTHER ANNOUNCEMENT. The proposed formation of a National Cabinet is still the supreme political question of the hour, A conference on the subject was held in the Cabinet room on Thursday, between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. The conference lasted for over an hour, but neither ol the two leaders, when questioned subsequently, had any statement to make upon the matter. Lobby gossip is full of various speculations, but it is yet too early to form an opinion as to the result of the negotfations. Tne matter, of course, is one that cannot be decided hurriedly or without careful discussion on both sides as to the question of terms and conditions. The conditions of any possible coalition, it must be assumed, will be formulated by the Premier, and submitted to the other side. The number and personnel of the Cabinet and the respective strengths of the representatives thereon from each side are all points that in the event of the proposal being brought to a practical stage, would require careful thought and delicate handling and negotiation. The views of the rank and file of both parties have to be ascertained on all these matters, and, ol course, if any successful arrangement is made it cannot be brought about by rushing the matter. The question will be considered at a further caucus of the Opposition Party on Tuesday next. The negotiations, if they are continued, will probably occupy several days. Of course, it any coalition is to result from the present negotiations, they must be brought to a conclusion before the Financial Statement is brought down. The provisions ot the War Taxation Bill, if the usual course Is followed, will be outlined in the Budget, although, of course, the details will be subsequently set forth in a Bill in the ordinary way. It has been suggested that in the event of no National Cabinet being formed some measure of inter-party co operation might be secured by widening the functions of the special Secret Defence Committee which was set up on Wednesday. This committee, as already explained, consists of eleven members, and is thoroughly representative of the front benches of both parties.