FUSION NO REMEDY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20954, 18 August 1931, Page 10

FUSION NO REMEDY.

STATEMENT BY MR. COATES.

"INHERENT WEAKNESSES."

ELECTORS MUST DECIDE ISSUE.

REFORM PARTY'S PRINCIPLES

[JIY TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL REPORTER.] WELLINGTON, Monday. Replying to the memorandum from business men of Wellington urging ' the amalgamation of the Reform and United parties, ihe Leader of the Reform Party, Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, writes: — " I wish to convey to tho signatories of tho memorandum covered by your several letters my appreciation of the fact that their proposals have been submitted with tho view of assisting those who are engaged in active public Jifo to set up a strong Government in New Zealand. I agree that every avenue to effect this object should bo explored; and acknowledging the goodwill of many of tho signatories, tho members of tho party within and out of Parliament recognised that the whole subject should receive new and unbiased consideration.

" If tho question were an academic one

there is no doubt that a measure of support could bo given to the proposal to form a National Government, in spite of tho fact that a new party in opposition to it would immediately arise. But I do not understand that tho proposals under discussion amount to a suggestion that a National Government should bo formed of the three main parties in the House. I understand the proposals go no

further than suggesting an amalgamation of tho United and Reform parties. We examined this proposal when tho offer was mado in April; and we then found that, in our opinion, it was inadvisable in this way to go behind the decision of the eloctors nt tho last general election. We felt tbat, with another election so close at hand, tho electors themselves will bo afforded a full and freo choice to decide the matter, and that this constitutional method should not be interfered with. Real Union Not Possible. " Delay in reply to your letters has been due solely to the steps taken to ascertain tho views of Ileform Party supporters, and after consultation and further consideration we have come to tho conclusion that the same answer must now be given. I find that the Reform Party still holds the opinion that coalition, under existing political conditions, with tho United Party, either for general political objects, or in tho formation of a Government, would not result in real union or promote stable government, and would not be of advantage to the country, which should bo and is our first consideration. Parliamentary history provides precedents of similar combinations of political parties, but all have proved to bo transitory and without stability or permanence. " The Reform Party, as an organisation, exists only for tho purpose of forming a strong unci stable Government, fitted to render useful service to the Dominion, and for that reason and purpose it is willing, if need be, to make sacrifices; and not' for one moment do its leaders allow personal ambition or party advantage to deflect them from tho courso which they consider best in the interests of tho people of New Zealand. No Permanency Likely. "After careful examination of tho position wo feel that there is no practicable adjustment of the parties at present in tho House which could give the strong Government we and you equally desire. This object can be achieved only by the electors themselves at the next election. We cannot in any joint conclave dictate to tho electors, nor withdraw from tho polls men whom tho electors desire to support, vet unless that dictation could be exercised effectually tho object you have in view could not be attained. " Our party believes it is more desirable to go to tho electors with a clear statement of its aims and policy than ns part of an amalgamated party which, an spite of an alleged unity, would have a degree of diversity of aim and outlook sufficient to prevent the strong and energetic administration now so badly needeu. Wo feel that such an amalgamation could not long continue, containing as it would inherent weaknesses that would eventually lead to its disintegration and probably result in placing in power another party opposed entirely to tho principles for which we stand."