NO FUSION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 194, 18 August 1931, Page 5

NO FUSION.

MR. COATES' STATEMENT.

« OBJECTS WOULD NOT BE

ATTAINED."

DECISION* WITH THE ELECTORS

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON", Monday

In a statement issued this evening the Leader of the Reform party, the Rt. Hon. J. G. CoateS; replies to the signatories to the memorandum urging the formation of a National Government.

Mr. C'oates states that the objects desired by those supporting the proposals j would not be attained by an amalgamation.containing inherent weaknesses that would eventually lead to its disintegration. "Reform believes," he continues, "that the right of the electors to decide the matter by the constitutional method should not be interfered with." Appreciation is expressed of the fact that the proposals have been submitted with a view to assisting those who are engaged in active, public life to set up a strong Government in Xew Zealand. "I agree," Mr. C'oates adds, '"that every avenue to effect this object should be explored, and in acknowledging the good will of many of the signatories, members of the party within and out of Parliament recognise that the whole subject should receive new and unbiased consideration. If the question were an academic one there is no doubt that a measure of support could be given to the proposal to form a National Government, despite the fact that a new party in opposition to it would immediately arise, but I do not understand that the proposals under discussion amount to the suggestion that a National Government should be formed of the three main parties in the House. I understand that the proposals go no further than suggesting an amalgamation of the United and Reform parties. We examined this proposal when the offer was made in April and we then found that in our opinion it was inadvisable in this way to go behind the decision of the electors at the last general election. We feel that with another election 60 close at hand the electors themselvee will be afforded a full and free choice to decide the matter and that this constitutional method should not be interfered with. "Delay in reply to your letters has been due solely to the steps taken to ascertain the views of the Reform party supporters, and after consultation and further consideration we have comie to the conclusion that the same answer must now be given. I find that the Reform party still holds the opinion that coalition under existing political conditions with the United party, either for general political objects or the formation of a Government, would not result in real union or promote stable Government, and would not be of advantage to the country, which should be, and is, our first consideration. Parliamentary history provides precedents of similar combinations of political parties, but all have proved to be transitory and without stability or permanence. The Reform party as an organisation exists only for the purpose, of forming a strong stable Government. It is willing, if need be, to make sacrifice in the interests of the people of New Zealand. "After careful examination of the position we feel that there is no practicable adjustment of parties at present in the House which could give the strong Government that we and you equally desire. This object can be achieved only by the electors themselves at the next election. We cannot in any joint conclave dictate to the electors nor withdraw from the polls men whom the electors desire to support, yet, unless that dictation could be exercised effectually, the object you have in view could not be attained. Our party believes it is more desirable to go to the electors with a clear statement of its aims and policy than as part of an amalgamated party which, despite alleged unity, would have a degree of diversity of aim and outlook sufficient to prevent the strong and energetic administration which is now so badly needed. We feel that such amalgamation could not long continue, containing as it would inherent weaknesses that would eventually lead to its disintegration and probably result in placing in power another party opposed entirely to the principles for which we stand."