Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE FRIDAY, JULY 31, 1925. TRY AGAIN.

Greymouth Evening Star, 31 July 1925, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE FRIDAY, JULY 31, 1925. TRY AGAIN.

When it was announced that the fusion.negotiations had failed, we expressed the opinion that such inability to agree to amalgamate political forces should be regarded as temporary, and that renewed efforts should be made to merge the Reform and Liberal Parties. Nothing has happened since to make us waver in- that attitude, and the discussion, yesterday, in the House of Representatives, but confirms it. Explanations were given by Reformers and Liberals as to how a deadlock developed, but no real reason was forthcoming why difference of opinion in minor matters should .have been permitted to prevent what national interests demanded. Mr. Wilford concluded a frank speech by making an offer- Mr. Coates will find difficult to reject, and still retain the good opinion of his abilities held by many in .the Dominion. Mr. Wilford not only _ offers to surrender his own position as a leader, but, on behalf of the newly formed National Party, offers amalgamation on terms favourable to Reform. Mr. Wilford has never shown to more advantage in public life, and if fusion, is" now secured, his offer to retire should be declined, and a position be found for him in the new Cabinet. The case for fusion becomes stronger with every development, and if such co-operation is not arranged, the -consequences are likely to be serious for those responsible. Reformers and Nationalists cannot, in sincerity, fight each other on political grounds, and any contests between them at the forthcoming general elections will be regarded as on -purely personal issues. The Labourites will be wise enough to use this for all it is worth, and it cannot be doubted that many, votes will be won for the Reds, that otherwise would have been given agaiuH them. A

feeling approaching disgust witl Parliamentarians' tacticsAvill arise if fusion is again shulved, or if Some better reason than hitherto forthcoming, is not given for its rejection. The matter is Cfi? for! urgent action. The longer the negotiations continue, the more the opportunity i'df tiriwish rOCfihiinations, whielr imly' bo. Used by the common enemy as evidence agaiilst anti-Socialist candidates. Whatever the influences in the Reform Party working against fusion, these cannot be so strong as those that ..will welcome it, and. Air. Coates w’ould prove himself a realleader if he cast aside those oppos-. ing amalgamation, whether these be in the present Cabinet, or not. He should follow. Air. AVilford’s example, and lay all his cards.on the table. He may, be sure that the electors,' generally, will give him loyal support in any struggle against die-hards, who through self-seeking or stupidity, wish oldtime political dissensions to be kept alive. Expediency, as well as principle, makes it imperative that the fusion conferences be immediately resumed, and terms of alliance agreed. There would be no reason because of fusion wliy the general election should be held earlier than usual, as there is much business to be done by co-operation, this session. If, however, .those who agree in policy are to oppose each other in the division lobbies, Parliamentary doings will become farcical, and in such wretched circumstances, the earlier the House dissolves, the better. The nation, however; looks to the Ministers to do the right thing, and that is to arrange a fusion of forces, and then face the electors with confidence that the candidates of the combined party will win- a large majority of the seats in the new Parliament, and subsequently be able to pass legislation furthering the .Dominion’s welfare and prosperity. It cannot be too emphasised that the alternative to fusion as a Government, will be fusion as an Opposition.