REMAKING THE COALITION

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 94, 18 October 1934, Page 12

REMAKING THE COALITION

Arising from the meeting of the Reform section of the Coalition, renewed attention is being given to the future of the Coalition Government. One of the issues is whether the Coalition s should be continued or converted into a permanent fusion of the United and Reform Parties. That the question takes this form shows an advance. There is not now thought of the dissolution of the Coalition that was at one time threatened. The parties have evidently realised that it would be the greatest folly to face an election separately. There is still, however, a difference of opinion regarding the merits of coalition and fusion. Without discussing in detail advantages of the two forms of combination, we may point out that, the closer and more permanent the union, the easier must it be to carry out the Cabinet reconstruction , which is essential if either Coalition or Fusion is to have a new mandate from the electorate next year. The weakness of a Coalition in this respect lies in the fact that it is not free to make appointments without regard to party. A balance of parties must be maintained; otherwise there is jealous suspicion which hinders amicable cooperation.

It is gratifying that the urgency of reconstruction is now being more clearly seen. Members of the two parties, we believe, realise that it will not be enough to go to the coun-

try with a Coalition backing. Electors are asking: What is the strength of the Coalition and what qualifications does it possess for completing the rehabilitation task? They will not be satisfied with the answer that it is a combination of the two parties, and they will demand proof that it has the capacity and experience demanded at the present time. The strength of two or three members will not compensate for the weakness of others. It is highly undesirable that this question should be left unsettled until the eve of the election. The Coalition has lost ground, and should hasten to re-establish itself in the public estimation.- To say that any Government in this period was bound to become unpopular is the excuse of. weakness. There is a solid body of public opinion in New Zealand which would support socalled "unpopular" policies, provided they are framed with fairness and carried through with efficiency. Drastic measures taken by a Coalition will not lead to its defeat if the justice'and necessity of the measures can be demonstrated by capable administrators.