THE LIBERAL COMMITTEE.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 July 1917, Page 5

THE LIBERAL COMMITTEE.

NOT ANTAGONISTIC TO FINANCE MINISTER. (By Telegraph.—Our Parliamentary Reporter). Wellington, Last Night. The members who attended the meetting of Liberals this week and assisted In the appointment of a committee, explain that their action was not directed in any way against Sir Joseph Ward. They insist that their loyalty to' Sir Joseph Ward as leader of the Liberal Party is npt impaired. The first duty of the committee will be to placo certain opinions and aspirations of Liberal members before their party leader, whose long absence has put Mm out of touch with some local affairs. "There is no ground for the suggestion that Liberal memWs are breaking away from the official head of the* party," said one member. "Our desire is to support the National Government, of which Sir Joseph Ward is a member, and assist it to do the right thing.by giving definite expression to our opinions on matters of legislation and administration." The existence of tie new committee, whatever its exact function may be, lent interest to to-night's proceedings on tho Imprest Supply Bill. Mr. Wilford, who is a member of the Liberal Committee, said the Ministers had the opportunity of their lives. Dr. Thaoker: The last one they will get. Mr. Wilford said he realised fully thai the most onerous position in the Cabinet was occupied by the Minister for the Trcasurv, who had to bring down taxation proposals. He hoped those proposals would not represent a weak-kneed policy. Tlic House wanted a strong scuoms of taxation designed to place the bui'dtn 'on the right shoulders. I