UNITED PARTY

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 45, 15 October 1931, Page 3

UNITED PARTY

("Post" Special Commissioner).

MEMBERS RESTLESS CAUCUS DISCUSSES RELATIONS WITH COALITION PARTNERS TWELVE ' MONTHS' DELAY

WELLINGTON, Wed. The caucus of the United Party, called for the purpose of discussing points of dissatisfaclion which have arisen in the past few days, chiefly owing to suggestions of a growing feeling in the higher quarters that an early general election is desirable, was held last night. The party met first during the tea adjournment of the House of Representatives and the deliberations were resumed after the House rose at 10.30 p.m. and were not concluded until after 1.30 a.m. to-day. It is gathered that a majority of the members of the Party took part in a free, and at times, very frank discussion of grievances which have been ventilated to some extent in lobby gossip since and during the week-end. Point at Issue The main point at issue seems to have been the question of the e-x-tension of the life of Parliament and it is understood that members of the Party made it clear that they expected the understanding on which they had entered into the Coalition agreement, the postponement of the general election for at least 12 months, to be honoured. The feeling was also expressed tvat the country expected the stabilisation of the political position as a natural corollary of the formation of the Coalition and that the turmoil and expense of a general election would be replaced by the operation of definite rehabilitation plans, which could only be put into proper effect by deferring the appeal to the country. Against this contention, it is argued amongst Reform members that the United Party is under a misunderstanding in this supposition and they claim that there was no prior agreement as to the election. Leaders Confer As on upshot of the discussion last night it is understood that the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, as leader of the United Party, was to confer with the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, Reform Party leader and significance is attached to the discussion which took place between them this morning. Mr Coates will discuss the matter with the members of his party and a caucus is taking place to-night. A further caucus of the United Party will be held subsequently, pfobably to-morrow. It is understood that in the course of last night's discussion members of the United Party freely criticised the appointment of Sir James Parr as leader of the Legislative. Council and a complaint was made that the members of the party as a whole had not been informed of what was transpiring. Generally, ' howeveirj, satisfaction was expressed with Mr. Forbes's leadership. From reliable resources of information it is reported that a majority of the United Party still have a feeling that a general election under the Coalition banner is contemplated and that they are of opinion that, in the event of an appeal to the country, the two parties should approach the electors independently.