PARTY MANOEUVRING.

Shannon News, 30 November 1928, Page 2

PARTY MANOEUVRING.

REFORM DIFFERENCES. It is stated that there have been considerable differences of opinion both in the Reform Cabinet and the Caucus regarding the correct course to adopt in the present political situation. There has been no disagreement regarding the necessity for a session at thp earliest convenient moment, but a fairly large number of the Prime Minister’s colleagues strongly advised him to accept the position indicated by the election results and resign immediately with a recommendation to the Gover-nor-General to send for Sir Joseph Ward, who would have then met Parliament with his npw Ministry, probably in the middle' of January. This course would have avoided the- necessity of the.defeated Cabinet listening, possibly for weeks, to highly- critical comment, with the inevitable result of a successful no-confidence amendment as a finale. •

However, another section advised that it would be more in line with correct procedure to require from members a registration of their opinion on the division lists of Parliament. Incidentally it was argued this would put the United Party in the position of having to ally themselves with the Labour Party in the first division of the new Parliament, and thst this would give Reform a strategic advantage in the next campaign. The latter course was finally taken by Mr Coates, not with unanimous agreement, though he has the responsibility for the decision, arid on his personal resignation, if tendered to the Governor-General, the whole Cabinet would go out of office.