WHAT OF THE PEOPLE?

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 1, 1 July 1925, Page 4

WHAT OF THE PEOPLE?

It is now a month sine© the official 'movement towards fusion, began. The Prime Minister; on 30th May made the following statement;:-" ' ' ■ ■ ' It is urged that, as there are, in fact, no important matters of policy at issue between the members of the Government Party and those who sit on the Opposition benches, the political hatchet should be buried, and thus make the path clear for a friendly merger. Speaking for the Government, let me say that we shall welcome in'this connection any proposals that may be submitted. , To this the Leader of the Opposition replied at first with a counteroffer to consider proposals, but on 4th June he went much further by writing to Mr. Coates proposing a conference, emphasising the need for co-operation and removing any personal obstacle to fusion by stating that he neither desired nor would accept office if a new party were formed, After Bonaß delay the conference was summoned and its report was submitted to the respective party caucuses. There have been further meetings since, all conducted with the greatest secrecy, and with no attempt, to inform the public of the progress made. All that the public can gather is a vague idea that all is not Well. The impression is being given that there can be no fusion before the election, "that the difficulties are too great," thlt the hope of reaching an agreement has already gone, and that negotiations' are being continued only because neither party desires to be blamed [for the failure. There is indirect evidence supporting the truth of these rumours in the fact that Reform candidates are being selected and announced for constituencies now represented by Liberals. It is time that the rumour stage should be passed, and that the politicians should recognise that this is a matter of great public concern. We have examined repeatedly the difficulties alleged to exist and have Bhown that these should be readily removable if the parties were seriously desirous of attaining unity. If there are other difficulties, leV them b 3 stated. If a few diehards, in Parliament or out of it, are thru(iting their own interests before i the country's welfare, let that be made plain. Let it be clearly shown whence 1 comes this difficulty, of which much has been made, of securing agreement of the' party branches' and candidates in electorates. Is it public opinion or is it merely the opposition of a few ambitious politicians who have hopes of party nominations, and now fear that a new united party would not endorse their candidatures 1 It is time ' now for an examination and frank statement of the whole position, for recognition of the fact that no politicians have vested interests in Parliament, no party managers or groups the sole right to select candidates. If there is yet hope of agreement by all means let the negotiations continue, but if one party or the other ha| already made up its mind that amal-' gamation is possible' only by the absolute surrender of the other, then let the farce of discussion end and the public will judge who is right. ' ''