A POSSIBLE "CAVE"

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 599, 2 August 1933, Page 6

A POSSIBLE "CAVE"

("Post" Special Commissioner)

URBAN INTERESTS CITY ELECTORATES OBJECT TO CABINET'S AGRARIAN BIAS THE EXCHANGE ISSUE

Wellington, Saturday. The word "cave" is one of the most awesome in the vocabulary of the politician, and as soon as it is uttered there is an immediate stir. If Parliament happens to be sitting a whisper of the word may produce an atmosphere of suppressed excitement throughout the lobbies, and even the humble messengers may be seen in groups talking about some real or imaginary development which has given an air of expectancy to Parliament House. I In the political sense the word "cave" means the permanent or temporary secession of members of a party on some particular question. Naturally in any large party there cannot be unanimity of opinion on every question which comes up for the deliberation of Parliament, but in the vast majority of cases the differences are so slight that differences are quickly compromised . or composed. In some cases the split leads to heated discussions in caucus, followed by a general understanding, which sometime gives individual members of the party the right to vote against a particular measure without incurring the censure of their leaders. In rare cases the "cave" leads to the disruption of the party and perhaps the overthrow of the Government or a change in leadership. No matter what sequel takes place there is always a certain amount of drama about a "cave" because of its far-reaching possibilities, and it is only natural that the leaders of parties or the whips, who are the link between the leaders and the rank and file, have their ears close to the ground whenever there are signs of dissension.

Sir Joseph Ward's Defeat It will be remembered that it was a "cave" which led to the resignation of Sir Joseph Ward in 1911 and the formation of the McKenzie Government, which was quickly superseded by the Reform Party led by Mr. Massey. Mr. Massey was never really immune from malcontents within his party and on one occasion nipped a definite movement in the bud by appointing some of the leaders to the Ministry. However, a coalition government is more likely to contain the seeds of disruption than a government elected by a single party. This is not to be wondered at, as the factions which have been brought together had hitherto been at war and had often opposed each other on fundamental principles. In England at the present time there seems to be a definite Conservative bloc endeavouring to apply the spurs to the National Government, and this bloc has gone the length of forcing divisions on some of the Government's proposals.

The Rebellious Spirit Coming nearer home signs have not been wanting of this same rebellious spirit in the New Zealand Parliament during the life of the Coalition Government and differences have even existed within Cabinet itself. As far as the Ministry is concerned the resignation of the Hon. W. Downie Stewart is a case in point, and it is no secret that there was a lack of unaminity over the appointment of the delegation to the World Economic Conferenee. Among the rank and file, the formation of a rural bloc headed by the Hon. A. McLeod (Wairarapa) and Mr. C. H. Clinkard (Rotorua) led to the agitation for an artificially high exchange rate., and the adjournment of Parliament while Cabinet reconsidered the question of the plight of the farmer. The action of the Government was followed by a sharp cleavage in the party and the division on the legislatron indemnifying the banks against loss on exchange transactions was closer than was comfortable, especially as two or three who were opposed to the high exchange had placed loyalty to the Government above personal opinion.

Will Press Claims Apparently the opponents of the high exchange are not going to allow the matter to rest, and there are indications that they will press their claims when Parliament meets again in a few v/eeks. They are not only opposed to the artificial raising of the exchange, but also to the alleged rural domination of Cabinet, which, they claim, is detrimental to the welfare of the country as a whole. According to one member who has been taking a leading part in the endeavour to consolidate the urban forces. the appointment of Mr. J. Bitchener was beyond all reason, speeially as he replaced a city man in Mr. Stewart.