FUSION A FACT

Grey River Argus, 13 May 1935, Page 5

FUSION A FACT

REFORM AND UNITED Now “Nationalists” EX-CIVIL SERVANT AS ORGANISER.

(Per Press Association). WELLINGTON. May 12.

The announcement is made that the Reform and the Unitel Political Parties have amalgamated.

A representative of an executive commit tee which carried out negotiations for a political union officially states that the new organisation lias begun under the designation of the National Political Fed eralion, with headquarters in Wellington. Mr I). Ardell who recent Iv retired from the Interna] Affairs Denari meat, has been appointed organiser. All of the Federation’s candidates at the General 'Elections will stand as Nationalists. The offi<-e< are in Kelburn Chambers. Mr Ardell begins his duties forthwith. He has had a wide experience of national organisation, and has almost a unique knowledge of varied associations and representative men throughout the Dominion.

NEW VIEW OF LEADER’S STATEMENTS.

The complete union of the Reform and United Parties in Parliament and also in the country was foreshadowed last month in a joint statement as to the future of the Coalition Government by the Prime Minister, Mr Forbes, and the Leader of the United Party and Minister of Finance, Mr Coates Leader of the Reform Party, before Mr Forbes left Wellington for London. On that occasion the respective leaders declared that, in their opinion, it was necessary that all those interested in good government of this country should continue to work in closest co-operation. “'lt is eminently desirable.’’ the Ministers continued, “that in these difficult days, Party polities should be restrained in order that our full energies may be devoted to the elimination of distress among all sections of our people and pronio*ion of continued economic recovery, for there are those who persist in

capitalising distress of some of our fellow citizens in support of ‘heir own political objectives.’’ The leaders also pointed out that their Parties had cooperated loyally and effectively for nearly four years, during which time they were encouraged by support received throughout ‘he country to believe flint a continuation of such cooperation was essential for the Dominion’s welfare, if measures to restore confidence and stability that had been initiated, were to be carried through to a successful conclusion. They expressed themselves as being firmly., convinced that the future called for continued effort in the interests of the Dominion. As regards future policy, the Ministers in ‘heir joint statement made it clear that, although the worst of inevitably drastic measures had been dealt with, they recognised that much remained to be done, and that as conditions ottered overseas, it might be necessary to make further internal adjustments. “These are nof times for splitting up of our people into factions,’’ concluded the Ministers “We feel that any material change in policy will create a sense of insecurity, an.d perhaps chaos, and that our people will best bp served by continued co-operation of the Coalition group as a National Government. ’ ’ Noiw the amalgamation of Parties ha s been achieved, with approval of their respective organisations throughout the country. It follows that all their activities will be carried out henceforth with complete unity as a National Government, and that all the National Political Federation’s candidates at the General Election will stand as Nationalists. A CORRECTION.

WELLINGTON. Mav 12. CORRECTION: Tn the Reformunited amalgamation, for the word nion, read understanding.