REFORM "CRACKS."

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 198, 23 August 1928, Page 5

REFORM "CRACKS."

MEMBERS AND LICENSING. AN EMPTY PREDICTION. MR. COATES HITS BACK. (By Telegraph-—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Wednesday. There was facetious reference to "cracks" in the Reform party in the House of Representatives this afternoon. The Prime Minister was indulging in his favourite pastime of twitting the National Leader (Mr. Forbes), who had stated before the session opened that it would be a very short session. "The hon. gentleman seemed to knowall about it," said Mr. Coates. "He said the session would last no time, because the Reform party, with the poor leader they had, would break up, and it would all be over within six weeks. But it hasn't quite happened that way yet." "There are a few cracks showing," shouted Mr. J. A. Lee, above the uproar of laughter. "Cracks ? In the National party t" inquired Mr. Coates, laughing. "No—in the Reform party!" (Renewed laughter.) Mr. Forbes: Ah, but we haven't seen the Licensing Amendment Bill yet. Mr. Coates: No cracks at all. On the contrary, we have so many fine candidates wanting to represent Reform that we can't find seats for them. Difficulties are created. Mr. McCombs (excitedly): What are you going to do in mid-Canterbury. This query Mr. Coates ignored, with an enigmatic smile. He went on to say that whenever Mr. Forbes talked about less Government in business a?" 1 more business in Government, Mr. Fo was really paying the Prime Mi . a great compliment. That sayh,- Mr. Coates had manufactured himself. "So many of his remarks resemble my own utterances that I believe he is being gradually won over." Mr. McCombs said it was strange, but he had always imagined that Mr. Harding, late President of the United States, had had the patent rights on that Yankee phrase, "Less government in business and more business in government." And now Mr. Coates was taking the credit for it. Mr. H. Atmore (Nelson): It's a case of two great minds thinking alike. Mr. McCombs: Perhaps.