MR. FORBES AND REFORM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20867, 8 May 1931, Page 10

MR. FORBES AND REFORM

CO-OPERATION UNLIKELY. UNITED PARTY ATTITUDE. HALF-MEASURES NOT WANTED. EARLY ELECTION POSSIBLE. [BY TELEGRAPH.—OWN CORRESPONDENT. J WELLINGTON. Thursday. No great hope is held out in Parliamentary circles that the working agreement between Reform and United, as suggested by the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coatcs, as an alternative to fusion will be possible of achievement. The Prime Minister. Rt. Jlon. G. W. Forbes, returned to Wellington from Cheviot to-day and, although he was not prepared to pass any comment on recent developments, he said he would .waste no time in replying to Mr. Coates' suggestion that a committee of Reform members should confer with Cabinet with a view to reaching some agreement concerning necessary legislation. It is considered that tho United Party will not be prepared to accept Mr. Coates' offer of co-operation. The political situation has become more complicated during the past few days, and indications aro that events are moving toward a general election earlier than usual. It appears that, having made his offer of fusion to the Reform Party, tho Prime Minister will not consent to any half measures as far as party co-operation is concerned. It is pointed out in United Party circles that tho Prime Minister and all members of the Cabinet were ready to lay down office in order to bring about a fusion of the moderate political interests, but since the offer has been refused Cabinet will insist on presenting its own programme in Parliament. Important Work Ahead.

Much necessary legislation is waiting to be dealt with, for apart from the Prime Minister's taxation proposals his general economy programme has not yet been completed. For this reason the hope is expressed by some that an election will not be precipitated. But should Mr. Forbes decline to entertain even an understanding with the Reform Party it is certain he will be forced to go to the country with a request for a working majority. In interviews since making his offer of fusion the Prime Minister has emphasised the fact that the heavy task he is facing cannot bo tackled with anything like effectiveness by a minority Government. For this reason it would seem that a working agreement which the United Party fears will not bring with it that measure of co-ordination necessary to present a concerted front to the House, will not be practicable. Mr. Forbes has repeatedly said that he would stand or fall by his taxation and other legislation, but on Mr. Coates' assurance at the beginning of last session that he would help rather than hinder the Government in its difficulties, Mr. Forbes showed later that he was willing to concede important points to tjio Reform Party provided his major proposals went through. It was obvious throughout, however, that there were differences in the policies of the Government and the Opposition Parties. Cabinet is at present clearly indisposed toward co-opting the assistance of private members in drafting legislation.

The Attitude of Labour. Mr. Forbes has already declared that ho does not fear an election, and both within and without the House he lias repeatedly said that if a majority of the members considers there is anyone better capable of doing the job ho would be perfectly willing to resign and abide by a mandate of the electors. Ho still holds this opinion, and the chances now are that, having failed to bring about fusion, ho will not agree to any alternative. The Labour Party is very anxious at tho moment for an election, and there is no doubt that from the moment tho House meets it will do its best to defeat tho Government. Realising that much of importance must yet. bo done, and having promised not to block necessary legislation by factious opposition, the Reform Parly will certainly not threaten tho Government's existence if it considers that tho legislation presented is needed, oven should Mr. Forbes decline tho assistance of a committee of Reform members in its drafting.