"IMMEDIATE FUSION"

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 120, 25 May 1925, Page 6

"IMMEDIATE FUSION"

TWO-PARTY SYSTEM ADVOCATED

SIR JOHN LUKE'S VIEWS.

One of (.lie Reform supporters of the Coalition proposal is Sir John Luke, member for Wellington North. In conversation -with a "Post" reporter today, he recalled that he advocated such a union some time ago, as being in the best interests o£ the country. Sir John referred to the difficulties- of government under the three-party system, and remarked that the regrettable death of the late Prime Minister had now given strength to the view that some action should be taken to consolidate political organisation by bringing together the Liberal and Befo'im Parties which united for the welfare of the Dominion during the war. The active'inroads made by the extreme Labour Party had brought about a different political view than had been taken for some time past. The strength of that party could only be ascertained by.the expression of the will of the people at the next General Election. His opinion was that there would not be any marked increase in the strength of the extreme Labour Party. The three-parly system was the greatest difficulty that had to be contended with in the present situation, for neither of .the two older parties in the House might have a sufficient working majority to erisure not only good go inent but legislation for the full development of the Dominion, which was of supreme importance. The carrying on of the legislation of the Government by compromise was not a satisfactory position in any State, and one of the essentials for progress in a country like New Zealand, where so many services wero involved, was a good working majority and for the Government to be in the hands of a set of men who not only possessed the confidence of the people, but who were also prepared, by their energy and combined knowledge and judgment, to make New Zealand what it was entitled to begone- of the most progressive countries under the British Hag.

"Personally," said Sir John, "I still hold the view tliat I expressed some time ago, when I advocated a fusion of tho two parlies because it was patent in my mind that the government nf the country could not be in the best interests of the people unless the barriers that separated the principal parties were recognised to bo largely imaginary and immaterial. " .

I lira prepared to throw my weight on the side of those who counsel a coalition of. the Liberal and Reform Parties, thus avoiding a three-party contest at the election. "When do you consider Hie Susion should bo made?" he was askcil.

"Jn the immediate future." he replied. "And I ehv thai individual claims and desires for office should be subordinated to the best interests of the country. If immediate union h'kes place the' combined parlies will be able to z.i to the country v.-itli a set of proposals"that will be acceptable to the people. Jf there u> »» fusion betel's tlu Ojtuei'ol Eltctioa

there will be chaos for another three years."

In conclusion, Sir John pointed out that New Zealand was the colony farthest removed from the Homeland, and that the influence it wielded as a Dominion was commensurate with the strength of the Government. A strong Administration would command respect and. consideration in matters of Imperial importance that concerned us. We could not divest ourselves of our obligations to the other British communities. Our interests were inseparable, and by standing together the Dominions would promote their own welfare and do much to further the interests of the Empire as a whole.