Against Fusion.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 102, 2 May 1931, Page 11

Against Fusion.

Sir James Parr.—Favours Cooperation.—" Conservative Party" Neeed. . Reference to the proposed formation of a National party was made this afternoon by Sir James. Parr, formerly a Minister in the Reform Government) when speaking at a garden party in New Lynn in his and Lady Parr's honour. Sir James said: "l have eome back from Europe with a profound conviction' that in these. days i tis vital to the political health and safety ot a State to have a strong Conservative party: that is why I view with some misgiving the present proposal, to biot out the Reform party in a coalition with the United Government. Experience shows that coalitions are never satisfactory. There also arise personal disappointments, jealousies, and distrust—things which are fatal to good government. The English instinct against coalition is sound. ''In nearly every country there is a Conservative party, which stands ' for sane and orderly progress, for law and loyalty, for moulding the existing economic system for the benefit of the underdog, rather than capsizing the cart altogether. Everywhere the Conservative party is the strongest bulwark against Socialism; and, what is much worse, that poisonous Communism, which threatens the world. "In these circumstances," said Sir James, ''is it to New Zealand's interest to blot out the Reform party, which may be needed yet ':" Sir James said it might be well for the' two parties to come together, or work in co-operation, so as to pass the necessary legislation which would be for the benefit of New Zealand generally; but as far as fusion was concerned he thought that it would be better to await the elections in November and let the electors decide that matter for themselves. During the speeches of welcome the possibility of Sir James entering politics again was mentioned, and he was assured of support in his old electorate. In his reply, Sir James said that at the present time the question of entering politics in New Zealand again had not entered his head. He was too busy at present, at any rate/ in attending to his private business concerns to give the matter any consideration. "But you never know what the future may br'ng forth," added Sir James, amidst laughter.