Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1931. THE REJECTION OF FUSION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 51, Issue 175, 8 May 1931, Page 4

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, MAY 8, 1931. THE REJECTION OF FUSION.

It is hardly necessary to say that, with its deep-seated conviction that fusion between the United Party and the Reform Party is desirable and, indeed, necessary in view of the present economic and political conditions, “The Guardian” is disappointed at the rejection of the offer made by the Prime Minister. As an independent journal, “The Guardian approaches the subject without party bias or party considerations, viewing it purely from the standpoint of the good of the Dominion. This was the principle that prompted support of the financial proposals formulated by the Government for consideration bv the emergency session, and it is not too much to suggest that the country generally regarded them with favour. Nobody with any knowledge of the war, political and private records of Mr Coates will for an instant accuse him of a lack of patriotism or of a deliberate desire to put the interests of his party above those of the nation, but most people will take the view that in this matter he and his lieutenants have not risen to the occasion. The three party system, which the Reformers’ decision will perpetuate, is not liked by British people, as not being in the best interests of the country, but in the present circumstances the objections to such a system are multiplied. The ordering of the finances of the Dominion imposes a task, calling for the undivided attention of the Government, heavy and difficult even for an Administration free from the harassing cares of tenure of office not supported by an absolute majority of the House. Mr Coates, in his reply, raised the objection that the Government’s move was dictatec by the fact that it had lost the sympathy of Labour. This, so far from being a bar to fusion, should jn reality be an additional argument in its favour. In the past. the Reform Party has deplored what it termed the dependence of the United Party upon Mr Holland, and now that, to quote Mr Coates’s own words. Labour is dissatisfied with the Government, one of the obstacles should be regarded as removed, bringing Reform and United into closer alignment. Ihe country will hope that the matter of fusion has not been settled definitely for all time, but that before the next election agreement will be reached.