GENERAL ELECTION

Grey River Argus, 28 July 1925, Page 5

GENERAL ELECTION

ATMORE ON THE STUMP

STILL HANKERS FOR FUSION,

TO KEEP LABOUR OUT

INVERCARGILL, July 27

Mr Atmore, M.P., opened tne campaign here for the National Party to night about 500 attending Li--> meet'

In his speech, he stressed the necessity of a stable Government, with a, strong Working 'majority, to deni

with problems which were the alter

math Ol the war conditions. The present three party system was not satis-

factory, as the party in power could not function in a proper manner, and could get colourless measures passed. Both of th? chief parties affirmed the principles of one National Party, but after three weeks’ negotiations, owing to pettv scheming, the formation of such a party fell through. The parties should settle their differences, and should unite to tight the Socialist movement. At present, ho said, no party in New Zealand could expect to get a working majority, ami the only

siHution of the difficulty was a return to two-party’ Government, The par ties should drop their old slogans, and should get together, as there was real lv now no difference between the Reformers and Liberals. Bis amendment to the Address was defeated because it was made a no-confidence motion, although members of both parties han supported such a motion nt their party caucus. The interests of party were put before the interests of the people. There was no way to the formation of a stable Government except through the avenue of a National Party, and such a party could not be formed bv any one of the present parties in the House. Tn the course of his address he reiterated his challenge to Socialist lenders to meet him on a public platform and debate their poller.

At the conclusion, a resolution supporting the amendment moved by Mr Atmore in the House was carried with out anv dissentient voice.