Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit TUESDAY, MAY 14, 1935. PARTY AMALGAMATION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 180, 14 May 1935, Page 4

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit TUESDAY, MAY 14, 1935. PARTY AMALGAMATION.

The amalgamation of the Reform and United forces in national politics will be welcomed by all who seek the ultimate good of the country rather than dominance of any particular affiliation they may personally favour at the moment. In a joint statement, recently issued, foreshadowing complete union of the two anti-Labour sections of the community, the leaders declared that in their opinion it was necessary that all those interested in the good government of this country should continue to work in the closest co-operation. "It is eminently desirable," the Ministers continued, "that in these difficult days party politics should be restrained so that our full energies may be devoted to the elimination of distress among all sections of our people and the promotion of continued economic recovery, for there are those who persist in capitalising the distress of some of our fellow-citi-zens in support of their own political objectives." The closer union of the two elements which has now been effected should tend not only to increase the allegiance of the members themselves to their party, but should also enable it to show a more confident front to the country than would otherwise be the case when the general election is held toward the end of the year. The progress that has been made toward recovery from the acute economic depression has been possible only because the two sections realised that their aims were really one and that any differences that may exist were of minor importance, such, indeed, as required only that spirit of compromise which is the majn prnv ciple underlying any association of thinking people. The immediate result of the amalgamation is manifest, with a general election to take place in a few months. As the "Otago Daily Times" states in a leading article commending the action: [ "It would have been an act of political folly tor the members of the Reform and United Parties to go to the polls as representatives of distinct political factions, since this might have been productive of internecine contests in some electorates and have involved the frustration of all the objects of their association during the past few years. The probable result would be the presentation of certain seats to the Opposition." The effect on political policy was thus stated by the Ministers in their statement: "These are not times for splitting up our people into factions. We feel that any material change in policy will create a sense of insecurity and perhaps chaos, and that our people will best be served by the continued co-operation of the Coalition grbup as a National Government." The action just taken is therefore fully justified on grounds that will appeal to all but those who sought sectional advantage through the party cleavage of their opponents. The logical outcome is complete fusion, for which the country is ready.