ANOTHER FUSION ANSWER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20954, 18 August 1931, Page 8

ANOTHER FUSION ANSWER.

After consultation with his party Mr. Coates has replied to the renewed representations that have been made to him in favour of the fusion of the Reform and United Parties. In effect he reiterates the points of his reply to the overtures made in April by the Prime Minister, a natural proceeding, since no fresh ground was broken by those who continued to urge the step upon him. It has been repeatedly declared meanwhile that liis refusal did not accord with the views of the majority of his supporters.. Thei'e is absolutely no proof of this assertion. The only direct expression of opinion from an electorate —that from Hauraki —pointed directly the other way. His reply certainly disappointed the Labour Party, and judging from the fact that most of the assertions about Reform disapproval have come from United Party supporters, caused a good deal of chagrin in that camp. For the rest, there has been no Reform declaration of disapproval carrying any real weight. Lately, however, there has crept into the discussion a new suggestion, that of a National Government—a very different thing from a fusion party for which the name National was suggested. As Mr. Coates says, a measure of support could be given to this idea, though the practical difficulties are considerable, probably insupei'able. It can, moreover, be discussed merely in an academic way, considering the present time and circumstances. To form a National Government half way through the last session of an expiring Parliament would be a futilw proceeding unless it were done with the specific object of postponing the elections —something the country would not tolerate and should not tolerate. Such an arrangement at the end of a Parliament always bears a suggestion that the politicians do not trust the electorate. The general public is not so obtuse as to miss the implication. Those who adopt such an attitude toward the people always obtain their due reward from the people. Mr. Coates states his position and says he is prepared to let the electors decide. He wishes to submit the issue to the proper court, the only one entitled to give a verdict. It had better be left at that. If those who say the Reform Party and its leader have alienated their supporters are right, the consequences will fall principally on the Reform Party and its leader. If they are prepared to take that risk, nobody else should complain.