THE COALITION

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 92, 16 October 1934, Page 10

THE COALITION

FUTURE POLICY

MR. COATES AND MR. FORBES

EEFOEMEKS MEET

The future of the Coalition was one of the issues discussed at a meeting of Reform members of Parliament held today. Although an official statement issued subsequently by the Rt. Hon. J.G. Coates throws no light on what took place, it is reported in the lobbies that negotiations will shortly take place between Mr. Coates and the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes). After the meeting, Mr. Coates made a formal statement. It said: — The gathering held this morning was in pursuance of a promise given to members prior to the meeting of Parliament. The meeting discussed various matters. Particular reference was made to tho many problems dealt, with, and general appreciation was expressed of the manner in which the Government had grappled with them. No party political significance attaches to the discussions. At the request of the members present, Mr. Doatcs undertook to discuss with Mr. Forbes several matters of common interest affecting tho Government programme. The ex-Minister of Finance (the Hon. W. Downie Stewart), who resigned from the Government at the beginning of last year owing to a difference of opinion with the Government on the exchange issue, was present at the meeting. - THREE COURSES CONSIDERED. It is understood that the meeting considered three courses of action: — 1. A continuation of the present Coalition arrangement for an indefinite period. 2. The formation of a permanent combined party, involving consideration of a reconstruction of tho Minstry. 3. The disbandment of the Coalition. Discussion was in general terms, but it is reliably stated that members were unanimous in the belief that the third line of action was inadvisable and that choice rested between the alternatives of a continuation of the Coalition or the establishment of a permanent party on a national foundation. Th initiative has been left to Mr. Coates and it is anticipated that at an early date h© will go into the situation with the Prime Minister. Present, indications, which are necessarily uncertain, are that tho objective "will be permanent fusion, thus removing the difficulties and misunderstandings inseparable from selection of candidates and any. clement of mistrust which might be read into a temporary arrangement. REASON FOR THE MEETING. It is believed that tho calling of tho meeting was influenced by the formation of the Democrat Party. Some members of-the Reform Party travelled long distances to be present, so important were the deliberations considered to be.