UNITY DISCUSSIONS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 June 1942, Page 2

UNITY DISCUSSIONS

9. CONSIDERATION BY PARTY CAUCUSES EXTENSION OF WAR CABINET LIKELY. PARLIAMENT MEETING TODAY. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. Both the political parties held caucuses this morning at which it is assumed the recent discussions between the party leaders were considered. The general opinion seems to be that the issue may be determined one way or the other today. Conversations on the subject between the Prime Minister 1 and the Leader of the Opposition began on May 29, and other Cabinet Ministers and representatives of the Opposition were subsequently brought into the discussions. While no official statements have yet been made as to the degree of progress made, there seems reason to believe that there is little likelihood of a national government being formed, nor is there thought to be any prospect of the adoption of the proposal of the Returned Services’ Association that men from outside Parliament should be included in an extended War Cabinet. The current belief in political circles is that agreement may be reached on a proposal to extend the War Cabinet by the appointment of an additional representative of either side. If this eventuates it is thought that Mr Holland will be included in the War Cabinet. The name of the Minister of National Service, Mr Semple, is being freely mentioned as that of the additional Government representative. The business coming before the House today is expected to include the presentation of a supplementary Financial Statement and the departmental estimates. A. tribute of respect will be paid to the memory of the Hon. F. E. O’Flynn, a member of the Legislative Council, who died on Friday, and an adjournment will be taken as a mark of respect.