An Opposition caucus was hold last even ing and lasted some considerable time. There were twenty-five members of the party present, Sir John Hall occupying the chair, The question of selecting a leader for the party evoked a long discussion, and the general opinion was that it was nob desirable to elect an organising leader during the present session, the pre ferable course being to appoint a Commit tee to look after the working of the party for the time being.
It was moved, "That Messrs Bryce and Rolleston be appointed two of the Com mittee, with power to elect three others in addition, for the purpose of indicating a general policy to be pursued. It wa3 moved as an amendmont that Messrs Rhodes, T. Mackenzie, and Lawry be the three remaining members. Mr Lawry declined to act, stating that he could not support any party which was not pledged to repeal the property tax, and consequently he preferred to act in an in dependent position.
Mr Bryce also objected to act on the Committee, declaring that he objected to take any position that should pledge him in any way to act as the leader of the party, or to take a seat in any Ministry that might hereafter be formed. The amendment was carried without division, but was after wards further amended, so that the Com mittee should be appointed only for the present session, and should nob be pledged in any way to support the party after the expiration of the present session.
The question of the Chairmanship of Committees was left in the hands of this Committee. Messrs Wright and Harkness, who have been acting as whips, were elected to these positions for the session.
