FUSION PROPOSAL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 106, 7 May 1931, Page 11

FUSION PROPOSAL.

DISCUSSED BY CHAMBERNO OPINION EXPRESSED. COUNCIL CLOSELY DIVIDED. ■ Because some of its members considered that it was not advisable that it should enter into politics, the Auckland Chamber of Commerce this morning decided not to express any opinion on the proposed fusion of the United and Reform parties. Opinion was almost equally divided, and a resolution on the subject was lost only on the casting vote of tho chairman. Tho matter came forward for discussion when Mr. A. G. Lunn moved that a letter be sent to the Reform leader expressing regret that more mature consideration had not been given to the advances made by Mr. Forbes in regard to fusion of the United and Reform parties, and urging that, on account of tho serious conditions existing, due to the financial stringency and commercial and industrial depression, it was vital in $he national interests to sink tho more unimportant party differences for the benefit of the general welfare of tho whole country. "I do not overlook the fact that this chamber is a non partisan body politically," said Mr. Lunn. "While we are continually in touch with the Government of the day we carefully avoid touching on party politics. However, even if this resolution might be considered as verging on a political subject, no excuse should be needed for its support by a body of men who realise the urgent needs for sound and economical povcrnment. "Extravagant administrative and heavy taxation has been a fault of both parties despite many warnings of business depression and unemployment advanced by chambers of commerce to both parties. Even if the present Government has 'out-Heroded Herod' in extravagance, it must be admitted that any blame for extravagance is not theirs alone." Views of Reform Supporters. The plain fact was, said Mr. Lunn, that unless some adjustment of the parties' differences could be effected the country would have two parties, with unimportant variations of policy, fighting and outbidding each other in election promises—promises that were always made at the expense of the country. Whether it was a fusion or another form of joint government, it was unquestionable that thousands of Reformers were'looking to their Parliamentary representatives to put an end to the insensate fight for tho Treasury benches and to a period of government characterised by consideration of the country's interest alone. The chamber, said Mr. Lunn, was actuated by the one idea of doing the best for the country. No consideration should prevent the chamber from making its views plain and clear. The proposed fusion question required very careful consideration before it was turned down. Mr. T. C. Webster voiced the opinion that the present state of the "country was traceable to the manner in which the policy of "borrow, borrow," had been pursued. The present time was a time to face the future with a new policy and a new outlook. "Getting on Thin Ice." The opinion that the chamber would do best to consider the matter very carefully before passing the resolution was expressed by Mr. Harvey Turner. He agreed with what Mr. Lunn had said but he did not think it was wise that the chamber should get mixed up in politics. Another Member: We are getting on to • thin ice. If we start to interfere in matters of this kind, we shall bring down odium upon the chamber. At the suggestion of tho chairman, Mr. A. M. Seaman, the clause, "more mature consideration had not been given to the advances," was deleted and the words, "he had not been able to respond to the advances," was substituted. The resolution, as amended, was then put to the meeting. On a show of hands, with the chairman not voting, the voting was:—ln favour of the resolution, 8; against, 7. Mr. Seaman then voted against the resolution, and exercised his casting vote to defeat it. "I have voted against the resolution solely because I think it is not advisable for the chamber to come into the mat-, tcr," Mr. Seaman commented.