POLITICAL FEDERATION

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXIX, Issue 4694, 16 May 1935, Page 5

POLITICAL FEDERATION

SELECTION OF CANDIDATES. PARTY IDENTITIES. The statement published to the effect that amalgamation of the Reform and United Parties had been achieved seems to have caused some surprise and no little confusion in the minds of the public, as it was generally understood that for over four years both parties had been working together as a Coalition Government (states the Wellington Post). An impression has been created that there was to be a closer alliance between the two parties in the future, with the sinking of party identity, and that, in effect, a fusion would be brought about with the formation of a National Party. From inquiries made, it is apparent that the only object of the National Political Federation is to create one Government organisation to fight the General Election, which is to take place this year. Previously the Reform and United Parties had their separate party organisations, the activities of which, however, have been moribund during the existence of the Coalition. Now, with the approach of the General Election, it has been felt that the existence of separate election organisations for the one Government would not only be unwarranted but would be likely to bring about an invidious position for one or both parties. Consequently, the National Political Federation has been formed with the object of consolidating the Government forces for the election campaign.

It is no secret that for several months the possibility of a fusion of the two parties has been discussed, though unofficially, but in view of the understanding that the new National Federation is to confine its activities to election activities,* it seems unlikely that anything in the nature of a permanent fusion will be brought about yet. The present relative strength of the two parties in the House is interesting. Of the 47 Coalition members Reform has 29 and United 18.

Though it may be the desire of the United section to bring about a complete merger and sink party identity, it is understood from authoritative sources that there is not the same desire on the part of members of the Reform Party. This party, it is pointed out, has traditions going back many years, and some of its leading members see no valid reason why the Refor: i identity should be lost. In view of these circumstances, any impression from the statement published on Tuesday that there is to be a closer alliance of the Reform and United Parties seems to be unwarranted. In fact, it was pointed out to-day by one Minister that the possibility of fusion could not be considered while the leaders of the parties (Mr. Forbes and Mr. Coates) were absent from New Zealand on Imperial missions. Apart altogether from any desire on the part of Parliamentary leaders to bring about a merger of the parties constituting the Government, it is pointed out that both Reform and United organisations still exist throughout the Dominion, and before any important step could be taken the wishes of these . organisations, and the desire of the individual supporters, would most likely have to be taken into consideration. One prominent Reform supporter made it clear that it would be inadvisable for a small group in Wellington. to attempt to bring about a fusion of parties without heed being taken of the feelings of the majority of the rank and file in the respective organisations. “In fact,” he said, “they wouldn’t stand for it.” With the announcement that Government candidates at the election would go to the electors as National candidates, interest has quickened in the manner in which the endorsement of candidates is to be made. From reliable sources it is gathered that though sitting Government members will again stand as Nationalists, they will not lose their party identity. In several seats where it is already announced that sitting Government members will not be seeking re-election, it is understood that the candidates will be endorsed as National candidates only. In the Clutha and Wairarapa electorates definite announcements have already been made that the Government members who now hold those seats will not seek re-election. -Other seats for which it will probably be necessary to make a choice of candidates are Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and Palmerston.