MR. ISITT'S DILEMMA.

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 11, 13 July 1922, Page 7

MR. ISITT'S DILEMMA.

The peculiar position of parties in the House of Representatives was again tha occasion for some comment last night. Mr. L. M. Isitt (Christchureh North) said there was nothing that would so delight the Red Feds as to see tha Liberals join the Reform Party, for that would, drive sane labour to the labour extremists. But the Liberal Party was Dot going to. Those who argued that there was no difference between the Liberal aud Reform Parties were simply admitting that the Reform Party had adopted the Liberal Party's legislation. He protested vigorously against attempts to make it appear that the Liberals were willing to enter into a working agreement with extreme Labour.

The Hon. W. Downie Stewart (Minister of Internal Affairs) said the member for Christchtirch North had drawn a most dismal picture of his position—that he could not join the official Labour Party; that some of the Reform Party sand "Come over here," and others "get out, 1' and he asked what was he to do? (Laughter).

Mr. Isitt: "I will stay where I am." The Hon. Mr. Dcnmie Stewart: "But you do not know where you are (laughter), and I do not want to increase the hon, member's difficulties." (Renewed laughter.) The Minister then remarked that recent political developments tended to divide parties into two schools of thought, namely, the official Labour Party on one side,, and on the other side, those who claimed to represent the thoughts of the great body of moderate opinion. Parties were now judged not so much by names as by their deeds and acts. ■ :