DELICATE TASK

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 2 July 1925, Page 7

DELICATE TASK

FUSION NEGOTIATIONS. COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE:' HUMOUR IN PARLIAMENT. (By Telegraph—Special to Star.) WELLINGTON, July 1. Fusion being in the Parliamentary atmosphere, it cannot be kept out of the debates, though the negotiations have not emerged from the secrecy of the caucus. The absence of finality in the matter obviously handicapped Mr T. K. Sidey in opening from the Opposition side to-day the Address-in-Reply discussion. He did so in the temporary absence of Mr T. M. Wilford, who is indisposed. Mr Sidey explained at once that he would confine nimself mainly to the questions raised by the mover and seconder regarding the economic position of the country and the importance of increasing production. He followed this course, the only additional matter being of local interest. However, in the final stages he mentioned the fact that Mr Coates had taken the responsible and honourable position of Prime Minister, but be wondered if he should congratulate him, for the reason that it was reDorted in the press that when the new Prime Minister- received congratulations from a friend on his elevation to his high office he answered: “You are no friend of mine.” However, Mr Sidey added, he did not see why, apart from party affairs, that they should not, in the public interest, get together and work together for the public good. Labour ‘members: “You will be together in a day or two.” A MERRY MINISTER. Sir C. J. Parr introduced a diplomatic blend of humour into his- more direct fusion references. He congratulated, amid laughter, his Opposition friend (Mr Sidey) on making a speech entirely free from party bitterness, suggesting that this was due to thefact that there was nothing in the Government platform or politics to •l rouse fierce opposition from reasonable minds. Mr Sidey had made observations in regard to certain conditions in the country with which he entirely agreed. “Indeed,” said the Minister smilingly, “I would ask what -ould separate the honourable gentleman from myself.” . - Labour members: “Yes, we were wondering that-.” (Laughter.) Sir C. J. Parr;. “For many years he and I have thought alike. on "some important questions; indeed, it would not be an untruthful statement to say 1 am the more radical of . the two. (Laughter.) I appreciate the. honourable gentleman’s somewhat delicate oosition. As friends of his and friends of ours are endeavouring to ascertain the possibilities of an amalgamation of the moderate interests in the House and country, it would ill become me to offer any comment on the negotiations. I do not desire to say a word to prejudice them; at the same time I deprecate attempts from newspapers and others outside the family—(laughter) —to hasten the marriage at all costs. Hasty marriages, such has been my professional experience, often end in an appeal to the Divorce Court, and ill-advised intervention by outside parties is not welcomed or of the slightest use. It should not be forgotten that this is not a case of love at first sight. (Laughter.) A man under these circumstances is not going to be hurried, and hurrying matters in this case is not going to help the young couple.” (Loud laughter.) A Labour member: “There might be an action for breach of promise.” The Minister: “Before the nuptials are completed there is usually the marriage settlement.” (Laughter.) Mr Fraser: “And you might draw up the will.” (Renewed laughter.) Mr Parry: “God help the children.” Sir C. J. Parr added that he strong’v held the opinion that it was desirable to oppose a united front to the socialistic party in this country. Still, he had to "recognise that there was a problem to be solved, and it was far better to let the gentlemen from' each side of the House go into the matter without taking ajiy step which would ultimatelv injure the prospects of a oroper alignment of the parties..