QUESTION OF FUSION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19040, 10 June 1925, Page 8

QUESTION OF FUSION.

REFORM AND LIBERALS. ARRANGING A CONFERENCE. EARLY MEETING SUGGESTED. [Br TELEGRAPH. —MIESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, Tuesday. In regard to the question of fusion of the Reform and Liberal Parties, Mr. T. M. Wilford writes to the Prime Minister as follows, in regard to a further communication from Mr. Coates: — " I have to acknowledge receipt of your letter with reference,to the proposed conference of representatives. I am satisfied on behalf of our party to fix the number of representatives from either side at four, and as you have decided not to take a personal part in the preliminary conference I am willing to remain away from it, realising that whatever the conference suggests will have to be referred to my party as a whole for confirmation. I consider the- date you have fixed, June 18, is too far ahead and would suggest that you consent to bring the same further away from the opening of Parliament. I understand that Ministers will have certain engagements to fulfil before meeting Parliament, but at the same time this matter is so important that I think it should not be delayed any longer than is absolutely necessary. " As I have now agreed to all your suggestions with the exception of date, may I ask you to agree to the date being fixed for, say, June 15 or 16, if it cannot be made earlier?"

The Prime Minister has replied to Mr. Wilford as follows: —" lam glad to learn that you agree with my suggestion that the number of representatives from either side to take part in the proposed conference should be limited to four and also that the leaders -of the respective parties should not bo members of the confereuce. I noto what you say in regard to fixing an earlier date for the conference to meet. Since the receipt of your letter I have been' making inquiries and regret that I find it will be impossible for some of our representatives to be in Wellington earlier than Juno 16. I therefore trust that in these circumstances the representatives from' your side find it convenient to meet in >Wellington on that date."