NO "CUT-THROAT" AT ELECTION

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 106, 7 May 1931, Page 12

NO "CUT-THROAT" AT ELECTION

■ "We arc confident that there will be ■widespread regret at the decision of the Beform 'Party to reject tho proposal put forward, by tho Prime Minister (•Mr. ■ Forbes) for the formation of a National Party by all who /prefer to place country before party," remarks the :"Nelson ■Evening Mail" (Independent).- "Thu response of Mr. Coates. and his friends to the offer made is frankly disappointing. We appreciate the reasons advanced, but are by no means; convinced by them under, the special cireumstanf.es existing. We should not be surprised if the refusal to assist in forming a strong Government to grapple with the country's difficult problems detrimentally affects the Itefonn Party's prospects -when the electors are appealed to in due course. It is satisfactory to observe, however, that Mr. Coates and his party will continue to. assist the Government, and will support such measures 'of economy and finance as the present crisis demands. Moreover,'if further help is required, a small committee of Reform members will be appointed to confer with Ministers before legislation is introduced. That suggestion may or may not appeal to Mr. Forbes. If there is to be no definite fusion of parties, it is surely feasible for tho two leading parties to agree that there shall be no cut-throat .'competition by rival candidates —competition' which must inevitably result in'many-electorates in the return oil members on a minority vote."