FUSION ISSUE

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 19 June 1925, Page 5

FUSION ISSUE

PARTIES CONFER

PR EL IMINARY DISC USStON

PROCEEDINGS GOING WELL

(By Telegraph. —Special to Star.)

WELLINGTON, June 18

For three hours this afternoon the eight rank and file members of tlie Reform and Liberal parties appointed to discuss a possible fusion conferred in Parliament Buildings, j Each delegation of four had during the morning consulted the respective leaders, and they went to the conference with a clear ancl unfettered mind t? explore the possibilities of the situation, it is impossible, however, to avoid a feeling that in Reform Ministerial circles the whole matter is not taken very seriously for the moment. There is a belief that the new Prime Minister, with his vigorous personality,, is capable of leading the party through the general elections back to the Treasury benches with a working majority.- Therefore a failure of the negotiations would riot cause anxiety. When the conference had sat for three hours it adjourned,, and one. member reported that- the proceedings were going well, though only the preliminaries were under discussion. He thought the matter would take some time to come to a head, and in any case the respective parties would, make a final decision when they met for the session. The Reform delegates immediately after the adjournment consulted with the Prime Minister privately. The conference resumes at te n o’clock on Friday. It was mentioned by another delegate that the proceedings were quite harmonious. . -

The committee seems well chosen, as both sides include members who have* expressed favourable opinions as tofusion and others who have riot been convinced, but have made no strong declarations. Liberals are. however, surprised at the inclusion of Mr. Burnett among the Reform representatives, as hi s health has been so-poor during the past year that they were doubtful if he has been closely in touch with ’ events.