QUICK MOVE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 18 July 1925, Page 7

QUICK MOVE

LIBERAL-LABOUR PARTY CAMPAIGN TO BEGIN NEXT WEEK FORMATION AS NATIONAL PARTY ALL SUPPORTERS OF CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENT ASKED TO JOIN (United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. Mr Wilford has handed to the press for publication the following manifesto': • \Ve intend,” said Mr Wilford. “to begin a. campaign next week and will have no dillieulty in finding candidates to snoport Nationalists. It has been evident for seme time past that the threeparty system in politics could not continue without detriment to good govern, mailt in this country. ft was iti this spirit that our party in Parliament entered into negotiations for the formation of a new National Party, which negotiations have broken down. We believe that we did till that honourable men could do to bring it about. It is imperative in our opinion that matters should not remain as they are. Out friends ami supporters in too country, and those who earnestly desire to set stable government assured, expect something more. The caucus of our party has. since the breakdown of negotiations. seriously considered the position, and to give effect to that desire we. have decided to take the lead in the matter. With thill end in view, and with the belief that the best interests of the country can be served by such a step bring definitely and immediately taken, we have resolved to proceed with the formation of a National Party. We ask our friends and supporters in the eounti'v who have for so long been associated with the Liberal-Labour Party to support us in this action. We believe it to he in accord with the true spirit ot Liberalism that stands for democratic Government, which the present three party system renders impossible. A. resolution has been carried that the name of the new party be the. National Party, and as such, with a constructive policy, we intend to approach the electors‘of New Zealand. We trust that this change will indicate that we are viewing the situation in no narrow spirit. " We hope the new party will include all shades of political thought except those who are opposed to the maintenance of constitutional government, and will bring into active co-operation those who desire real progress on sound constitutional lines.”

STATEMENT BY MR. COATES NO NEED FOR TWO NATIONAL PARTIES GOVERNMENT WAS NOT CONSULTED (United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. In replv to Air Wilford’s declaration Mr Coates makes the following announcement :“ r lhe Loader of the Opposition, who has recently been in communication with me. Inis not apparently deemed it necessary to consult me regarding this latest development in the relations of two dominant political parties in this community. May 1 say with all sincerity that I look forward jo seeking a mandate from the people of New Zealand when the election takes place. I. as Leader of the Government, will then ask the support of those who are in favour of a progressive and national policy which I have already in the House and out of it sot as the objective of the Government, and which will ensure equal opportunities for all sections of our community. At first glance this move on the part of the Liberal-Labour Party savours of an attempt to steal the thunder of the Prime Minister. It seems to me it is an illustration of the old adage that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. The Leader of the Opposition has been anticipated by my own declaration of the faith which is nationalism yn its broadest sense and purpose. There is neither room nor need for two national parties in the Dominion.”