NATIONAL GOVERNMENT

Evening Star, Issue 20864, 6 August 1931, Page 13

NATIONAL GOVERNMENT

ISSUE DISCUSSED IH BUDGET DEBATE LIVELY EXCHANGES WITH LAEOUS [From Our. P.msliamestary Ueportee.]

WELLINGTON, August 5. “ Don’t you think the position is so serious that a National Government might bo considered," interjected Mr Samuel, and the question was directedto Mr Coates towards the end of his financial debate speech in the House to-night. Mr Coates’s answer involved him in a lively exchange with the Labour Party, but left still in the dark the attitude of either party towards the proposal. The Prime Minister said ho had not heard the Labour Party say it was in favour of a National Government.

“ As far as primary industry is concerned,” tho Reform Leader said, “ the position calls for the united effort of everyone.” (“ Hoar, hear.”) “ 1 fool it is coming down on us, and tho next year or two arc going to be most serious.” A Labour Member: We were not asked to join in a National Government.

Another Labour Member: Reform was invited ; wo were not. Mr Coates; Is tho Leader of the Labour Party in favour of forming a National Government ?

Mr Holland: What does tho Reform Party say? Mr Coates; Is the Labour Party m favour of it? . . Mr Holland: Will tho Leader of tho Opposition extend us an invitation on behalf of the Government? Mr Coates: Does tho Leader of Labour say ho will make one, and that his party will follow him to join in forming a National Government to help relieve tho problem of the producers of tho country? Mr Holland: Is this an invitation? Mr Coates: Would you join such a movement ?

Mr Holland: Is the Reform Party joining it? Mr Coates: I am asking you that question. Mr Holland: And 1 am asking you. Mr Coates’s next statement raised a loud laugh. “ 1 hope,” he said, ” that t will always be found in this position . , , “ Hear, hears, and laughter from tho Government and Labour benches prevented him from proceeding further. Mr Coates was not slow to appreciate the slip, and to pass it off with a cheerful “ That was an unfortunate remark." f . Continuing, tho Opposition Leader said that as long as ho was in the House, no matter on which side of it. ho hoped it would be taken for granted chat for his part no individual consideration of his would ever stand in the way of placing tho interests of the country above those of any interests of party. (Reform “ Hear, hoars.”) Reform placed the interests of the country first. , Mr Langstonc: No more than Tin> other party. Mr Coates- But you are not m the sumo position. If Mr Holland says he is prepared to moot and discuss the problems ahead, 1 am prepared to meet and discuss with-bun a National Government. , . Mr Coates: I.notice tho Labour members won’t answer the dirept question. They are dodging tho question. Mr Parry: Are you in favour of a national Government? Mr Holland Go Mr Coates); It you say you arc extending an invitation we will answer it in double-quick time, but the invitation was never extended to us. Mr Coates; 1 did not hear the interjection. „ , , , Mr O’Brien: New Zealand lias put this question to you for six months, and you have not answered it yet. Mr Coates said that if the Labour Party were prepared to discuss the problem that was all right. Mr Parry: Wo are discussing it here, aren’t wo?

GET BEHIND THE GOVERNMENT. National Government references were revived by the Minister of Lands (Mr Hansom), who smilingly commented on the nearer approach of the views of Mr Coates towards those of the Government m regard to backblocks roads and expenditure for lands development, lie believed that when it came to a question of a National Government there would be no obstacles to crossing the floor of the House. “I am very pleased to see tho Loader of the Opposition coming to our view, and favouring the use of part of the petrol tax for the benefit of country ratepayers. I hope he lias tho backing of his party, and they would stand by this it it is recommended by the select committee.” Mr Coates: That is not the point You are dodging the issue. • Mr Hansom added that ho was interested in the exchange of thought between Mr Coates and Mr Holland on tho subject of a National Government, but noticed that Mr Coates did not o\'tond an invitation to tho Government side of tho House. But tho country knew where the Government stood on this.question. “ It realises that we cannot hope to pass through this crisis and roach a culmination unless every member of tho House puts his shoulder into it.” Mr Samuel; Do you favour a National Government, and would you ask tho Labour Party to join? Mr Ransom: Yes, any party which will get behind tho Government to mish tho country along. Mr Parry; To push them out. NOT IN COUNTRY’S INTEREST. (Special to Tin; ‘ Stau.’J CHRISTCHURCH, August 5. ” Opinion in tho Reform Party is practically unanimous that though fusion might bo good party tactics for the United Party mom tiers it would not he in tho interests of tho dominion,” Air H. M, Campbell (Reform member for Hawke’s Bay) told a reporter to-day. in his opinion fusion is no longer an issue. lie is convinced that no ” ministry of expediency ” could give New Zealand tho government it needed to cope with those difficult times. The Leader of tho Reform Party (Air Coates) iiad expressed the considered opinion of the parliamentary members of tho Reform Party, with hardly, a single exception, and tlio organised supporters of Reform throughout New Zea land had adopted resolut'ons endorsing tho decision. Mr Campbell added that fusion would mean, of course, that every sitting member of Parliament would bo confirmed his seat, so it was evident that in rejecting the suggestion of fusion tho Reform members of Parliament wore considering the national interest rather than their own. But it was not a question of personal or party advantage. It was a question of what would bo best in tho long run for the dominion. Ho himself was a member of tho Reform Parly because ho was

convinced that this party, in its personnel, its principles, and its policy was able to provide the best government for Now Zealand, tic did not wish to criticise the Prime Minister (Mr Forbes), but be would point out that the members of the United Party had changed their policy more than onco in the last throe years. This showed that there could he no settled principles behind any policy which a party guided by political expediency might happen to bo pursuing at, any given moment. Visits to many parts of the North Island in the past lew months have Jolt no doubt in the mind of Mr Campbell that the country is turning to Rcform, ho told a reporter. Everywhere that he had been, he said, there was evidence of general dissatisfaction with tho existing state of affairs, coupled with the belief that only the return o. a strong Reform Government would bring about a renewal .of confidence. That was the first necessary step to c revival of business. Mr Campbell had found a widespread feeling in the business world that orders and investments alike wore being held up until after the General Election. Business men and investors felt that until tho election was over they could not plan for the future or enter into commitments. I'liero was a general lack of confidence, and this would not bo made good until the political situation was cleared up and the people could sec tliat they were going to have a strong, sound government for the next few years.