“A NATIONAL PARTY”

Evening Star, Issue 18668, 24 June 1924, Page 3

“A NATIONAL PARTY”

FUSION OF FORCES FORECASTED, concentration on an sum. EARLY ELECTION LIKELY. [Pea United Pnuss Association.] AUCKLAND, June 23. Mr J. S, Dickson, M.P. for Parnell and senior Government Whip, was interviewed to-day on the subject of a national party from both the Reform and Liberal ranks, with possibly a small Labor clement, . Referring to the statement by Mr H. RMackenzie on the snbject, ho said he thought there was a great deal in what Mr Mackenzie had said, because the time had arrived when there could be only two parties in New Zealand. He believed that it was absolutely necessary that there should bo reconstruction of the present Cabinet. Nothing less would satisfy the country. He also believed that at the next election a strong National Party would be formed, more especially to fight the city electorates. This party would be more or less a fusion of the forces of Reform and liberalism. The country members and country people were talking about a Country Party, and he thought the National Party would come from the city and be a success. It would not be surprising if there was an amalgamrftiion. It would’not be so strong on party lines as either the present or previous Governments, but a broad national point ot view would bo brought to on all questions. That was merely his idea. He had not been approached on the subject, but the feeling in electorates pointed in that direction. Air Dickson predicted an early election, saving '■ 1 ' I do not think that the Goveinment will get its measures through, and an appeal to the country is quite likely. This is my opinion as a private member and as Government Whip.’'