PROBLEMS FOR CAUCUS

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 117, 20 May 1930, Page 10

PROBLEMS FOR CAUCUS

ATTITUDE TO LABOUR

REFORM PAPER'S ADVICE

(By TelejraptO (Special to "The Evening Post.")

AUCKLAND,.'This Day. In the course of an editorial on "The Allied Parties," the "New Zealand Herald. (Reform) says:—

' ' The retirement of Sir Joseph Ward has, in the judgment of the- Labour Party, not affected its attitude to the United Party. There is at least consistency in1 its attitude. The Imited Party was .created with the single purpose of attacking the Reform Government. Its plans succeeded beyond all expectations, for it not only wrecked the Government, but it also plunged the country into the perilous situation of having its legislation and administration controlled by the Labour Party which, free from Mie moderating influence of direct responsibility, has no hesitation in pressing its demand. "The position is not hopelessly irretrievable. The United Party's caucus to-morrow will presumably consider the whole political situation as well as elect a new leader. It will be forced to review its policy for the future, and to recognise that the programme of the General Election campaign was impracticable and ought to be finally abandoned. It will probably formulate and should publish the chief features of the policy to be pursued during the next two years, presuming that it remains in office. More than that, it must determine and declare its attitude towards the other parties. The question for which the country is now .awaiting the answer is whether it is content to submit to the arrogance of the Labour Party, or whether it has the dignity and courage to assert its independence. It is assured that the Labour Patty will go to any lengths to prevent the Reform Party's return to office. Has it the acumen to take the Labour Party at its own words, stand fast upon definite principles and a precise programme, and challenge Labour to try to turn it out of office? That is the only means by which the United Party can become the real Government of the country commanding the respect of both Parliament and the .electorate.

"What ,Mr. Holland and his friends forget is that .they alone cannot decide whether the United Party shall remain in. office. They cannot "make their bbasting good without tlie help of the Reform Party, and the latter is not disposed to help Mr. Holland's efforts to extort concessions. In the past the United Party~'has bowed to the threats of the Labour Party and refused the assistance of tho Reform Party. Tomorrow's caucus must decide whether the alliance is to continue, or whether the party shal' make a bold bid for independence and self-respect."