IN THE LAP OF THE GODS

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 116, 20 May 1925, Page 6

IN THE LAP OF THE GODS

PEOPLE SICK. OF THREE-PARTY

SYSTEM

COLONEL ALLEN BELL ON THE

SITUATION.

(il -TELEORAPH.—SPECIAL TO THE POST.)

■■•■■■■■' ':■• — -AUCKLAND, This Day. : Questioned by a "Star" reporter regarding the political situation, Colonel Allen-Bell, M.P., said that at present the whole of things were in the lap 'of the gods, but he felt sure that the people from the North.'Cape to .the Bluff were heartily sick of the useless threeparty system. In his opinion there were .only, two courses open: (a) construction of a.new National Party composed of the best, elements of the Reform and tlie Liberal Parties;'(b) fonnaoion of a National Party by the coming Prime Minister—a party with a new and. up-to-date policy that would appeal to the advanced political thought of the da}', a policy that would provide for putting into operation the splendid land settlement legislation at present on the Statute Book, especially the homestead system and subdivision of largo holdings; a more advanced policy for public works and farmers' finance," and the re-organisation of the Public .Service . on .the lines 01 greater economy and efficiency, provision being made to allow' the best men to reach to the top •irrespective of age "©!:.. ye^'is. of service. . .... Questioned ad to who : the new Prime ■Minister would be,. Colonel Bell said that he had no idea,, but he. could say that a lot of criticism that was beirKf levelled against Mr. Coates as to his want of '.stability was entirely wrong;' Mr. Coates was an energetic and fearless man, one . who. was -riot bound'hand" and foot by old"

and useless political traditions, and ho felt sure that i£ he were selected he would fill the position with credit. ■,