EARLY REPLY

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

EARLY REPLY

MR. FORBES'S PLANS

NATIONAL PARTY

FACING THE .FUTURE

Tho Prime Minister (the Bight Hon. G. W. Forbes), who returned to AVelliiigton from. Cheviot this morning, stated this afternoon that ho would be making a statement very shortly in reply to the proposals contained in the reply of the Loader of the Opposition (the Eight Hon. J. G. Coatcs) to his suggestion that a National Party should bo formed.

Mr. Forbes added that he had not yet reached a decision as to whether it would be necessary to call the members of the United Party together. So far no action had been taken by the Government in regard to tho selection of a candidate for the Hauraki seat, nominations for which, close on Wednesday next. Genuine disappointment is expressed in Government circles that the Reform Party has seen fit to reject the proposal made by Mr. 'Forbes. It is admitted that tho task facing the Government of finding tho revenue necessary to readjust the national finances will be made much more difficult* as a result of the Reform Party's decision, and it is even suggested that Mr. Forbes might wake an earlier appeal to the country tnan is generally anticipated. It is known that Mr. Forbes is not enamoured of tho idea of again facing Parliament as a minority party, but it will probably bo necessary for him to do so in order to obtain Supply, the authorities for which will automatically expire at the end of June, and to put his taxation measures through. In doing this he would probably be able to count on the support of the Reform Party. Once the Finance moasures were out of the way Mr. Forbes would accept defeat on the floor of tho House and appeal to the electorate.

The suggestion made by Mr.. Coates that a committee of Reform members should work in with Cabinet in framing legislation is not one that is likely to be looked upon with any great favour by tOie- Government Party. The Government is charged with the responsibility of placing 'legislation^ before Parliament, and it is not considered probable that it would delegate any of its powers to a committee of : private- members. Having had his offer to resign and pave the-way for a National Government rejected, Mr. Forbes will no doubt shoulder.the responsibility placed upon him and his colleagues and stand or fall by tho results.

The proximity of the Hauraki byclcction adds interest to the general political situation. - "Reform, Labour, and tho Country Party already have candidates in the field, and in view of recent developments the Government is not likely to let the seat go by default. The ' voting at the General Election was as follows:— Allan (United) ..' 2935 Hall (Reform) 3820 Petrie (Labour) 2411 Tho presence of a Country Party candidate will no doubt complicate matters a little, although it is conceivable that ho will take votes away from each of the main parties.