SUGGESTED FUSION.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 124, 28 May 1928, Page 8

SUGGESTED FUSION.

LIBERAL-LABOUR FORCES.

recent informal chats.

"TO OUST REFORM."

Following on the recent speech by Mr. W. J. Jordan, M.P. for Manukau, holding out the olive branch to Liberal*, Mr. F. S. Morton, who was secretary to the Auckland branch of the Liberal party during the last general election campaign, informed a, "Star" representative this morning that it was true that a move had been made by the Liberals in Auckland with a view to bringing about a union of the Liberal and Labour parties in order to oust Reform at the general elections. "The negotiations so far have been of an informal nature," said Mr. Morton, •'and while nothing definite has been accomplished it is pleasing to know that the suggestion has been well received by the Labour representatives approached. It is evident they are appreciative of the good that would result from such a union. The difficulty with some of the Labour representatives seems to be in regard to altering their constitution at this juncture, but no doubt it would be possible to bring about a joint conference of Liberals and Labour at Wellington during the coming session of Parliament, when satisfactory arrangements could be made to deal with the situation.

"The time has arrived when all petty jealousies should be discarded, for there never was a time in the history of the country when it was so necessary to work for the welfare of the Dominion and suffering humanity. It is generally accepted that so long as the Liberal and Labour forces are separated, so long will Reform occupy the Treasury benches. This is a time for real statesmanship and sincerity of purpose by the Labour party.

"It would be a wise move if a meeting conld be arranged in the Town Hall and addresses delivered by both Liberal and Labour speakers, with a view to giving the public an opportunity to express an opinion as to the desirability of the two parties acain uniting under the LiberalLabour banner.

"I am finnly convinced that it is the wholehearted wish of the rank and file of both parties that amalgamation should be, brought about, and no stone should be left unturned to consummate this desirable end. The people are very distrustful of new parties under names other than Liberal-Labour."