POLITICAL

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 24 June 1924, Page 5

POLITICAL

PROPOSED NEW PARTY. VIEWS OF GOVERNMENT WHIP. (BY TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION.) AUCKLAND, June 23. Mr. J. g. Dickson, M.P. for Parnell and senior Government whip was interviewed to-day on the subject of a National Party from both the Reform and Liberal ranks, with a possible small Labour element. Referring to a statement by Mr. H. K. MaoKenzie on the subject, Mr. Dickson said he thought there was a great deal in what Mr. MacKenzie had said, because the time had arrived when there could be only two parties in New Zealand. He believed it was absolutely necessary that there should he a reconstruction of the present Cabinet. Nothing less would satisfy the country. He also believed that at the next election a. strong National Party would he formed, more especially to ‘fight the city electorates This party would be more or less a fusion of the forces of Reform and Liberalism. Country members‘and country people were 'talking about a Country Party, and he thought a National Party would come from the city and be a success. It would not be surprising if there was an amalgamation of the two. It would not he so strong on party lines as either the present or previous Governments. A broad national point of view would be brought to bear on all questions. That was merely his idea. He had not been approached on the subject, but feeling in the electorates pointed in that direction. Mr. Dickson predicted an early election, saving: “I do not think the Government will get its measures through and an appeal to the country is quite likely. This is my opinion as a. private mem lie i- and as Government whip.” THE COMING .SESSION. WELLINGTON, June 23. A lengthy Cabinet sitting took place this afternoon, and the Prime Minister (Mr AY. F. Massey) afterwards stated that the programme for the session had been under discussion. “T am already at work on the Financial Statement,” Mr Massey, “and it will he completed within a. few days, but of course the estimates have also to be considered in connection with it.” ‘ COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS. (By Telegraph—Snecial to Star.) •WELLINGTON. June 23. The Premier announces that two appointments will be made to the Legislative Council this week. Unofficially it may be added that the probables most favoured are Mr E. P. Lee, formerly Minister for Justice in the Reform Cabinet, who was defeated for Oamaru last election after lengthy service, and Mr A. S. Malcolm, formerly member for Clutha. ADDRESS-IN-REPLY. The initial debate of the session is to be opened hv Mr Bitchener, member for AVaitaki, the seconder being ,Mr J. Linklater, member for Manawatu.