FUSION DISCUSSED

Evening Star, Issue 19044, 12 September 1925, Page 4

FUSION DISCUSSED

VIEWS OF SOUTHLAND NEWSPAPERS [Special to the ‘Star.’] INVERCARGILL, September 11. The arriviil of Sir Joseph Ward in Invercargill last night lias greatly quickened interest in the political situation, and his lirst pnhlio pronouncement is eagerly awaited. The ‘Southland Nows,’ in an editorial to-night, referring to Sir James Parr’s contention that the Liberals should join the Reform Party, says: “This has always heon the Reformers’ idea of fusion, and that is why the negotiations failed. Even now the Leader of tho Opposition indicates a practicable way of effecting an alliance, but tho Government again smells victory, and vindicates its refusal to reopen discussion by declaring that the Liberals wore to blame for the failure. There is no justification for tho belief that tho Liberals should sink their identity to make a Reform ‘ killing.’ Preparations for the election are proceeding on the old party lines. Those conditions are being arranged by the members of Parliament who produced the present unsatisfactory state of affairs. It was fairly generally admitted that a new party was necessary, but we are to have no new party, unless it. can he argued that the change of name and leadership experienced by the Liberals constitutes a new political element. It is useless to suppose that the Liberals will provide the Reformers with a majority after providing them with a policy. A mutual sacrifice is necessary, and tho public should demand it. It is vital to the interests of the country that an alliance should he effected. The Liberals have had their day, likewise the Reformers; and now we should have the day of both in co-operation. It is tho people's business. The public itself must everywhere decide that tho issue should be taken out of the hands of tho old parties, and placed in the hands of another party with a definite and sincere purpose. It is not a matter for less than a dozen delegates; but for more than 700.000 electors.’