NEAR THE BRINK.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 151, 29 June 1925, Page 5

NEAR THE BRINK.

FUSION NEGOTIATIONS

FINAL MEETINGS TO-DAY.

LABOUR PARTY'S TACTICS.

(By Telegraph.—Special to "Star."} WELLINGTON, this day

The proposed Reform-Liberal fusion appears perilously near the brink. And this afternoon should decide whether it goes over the precipice or remains, balanced on the edge. Saturday night saw another conference of representatives of both parties, during which, what was said to be the final terms of "Reform" wore submitted. Beyond this line, it Is indicated, Reform will not retreat.

The question is whether the Liberals can, without surrendering their own political principles and aspirations, accept such terms. Present indications nre that the offer is by no means wholly acceptable. Still, that is for the party as a whole to say. A meeting of t!«c Liberal caucus will be held this afternoon at four o'clock to consider the offer received from Reform. Until its decision is communicated to the Government nothing further can be done by Reform, and, as the House meets at 7.30 to-night there can be no meeting of the Government caucus before to-mor-row.

It is interesting to note that, by invitation, three. Independents, Messrs. Witty, Isitt nnd Bell, have been attending the Reform meetings and taking part in discussions regarding fusion. Some apprehension is expressed as -to the attitude of Opposition parties regarding Imprest Supply in the House to-night. It is said Labour will remain quiet, leaving the saying of many things on many matters until the House comes to the 'debate on the Address-in-Reply, and Mr. Holland's no-confidence motion. What will be the Liberal attitude will not be clear until after the party meeting this afternoon, but it is not thought »y some to be good strategy on their part to prematurely "raise the wind" to-night, even if to-day's meeting reveals that fusion is out of the question.