THE SESSION.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 29 August 1919, Page 3

THE SESSION.

OPENED YESTERDAY. Parliament opened yesterday afterboon with due ceremony. Owing to the presence of Admiral Viscount Jellicbo and many naval officers, and the fact that the military wore dress uniforms, the spectacle was one of unusual brilliance.

The Governor's speech made reference to the happy ending of the war, and said the House would bo called tipon to ratify the peace treaty. The present session would be a sliort one, and would be limited to matters of urgency. Spcsial comment was made en the industrial unrest, but no definite preposal was made to mend matters. The Speech, as usual, deals largely in generalities.

LIBERAL CAUCUS. The caucus of the Liberal Party, held on Wednesday, lasted from three o'clock,till about 6.45 p.m. Sir Joseph Ward, who was interviewed by a "Times" representative, said: — "There was a good attendance of the members of the party at the meeting here to-day. There were twenty-six members actually present out of thirtyone, and two others accounted- for. The following resolution was carried unanimously:—

"That the action of Sir Joseph Ward and his colleagues in retiring from the National Cabinet is in full a«,oord with the agreement entered into en the formation tft the"Xational Government, dated August. 2nd, 1013, and is ivrmniniously approved by this meeting."

T-he meeting also carried unanimously a resolution of continued confidence in Sir Joseph Ward as Leader of ptQ party.

f REFORM CAUCUS. A caucus meeting of the Reform party was held on Wednesday, lasting from 2.30 to close on 6 p.m. "We had a very full meeting." stated the Prime Minister later to a •"Times" representative. "Every member was present or accounted for. A y«y lengthy and very friendly discussion took place on matters affecting the party, and those present concluded by passing a resolution *f entire confidence in the Leader. It was quite a satisfactory meeting, very friendly and unanimous."