UNITY OF PURPOSE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21326, 29 October 1932, Page 10

UNITY OF PURPOSE

COALITION DEFENDED PARTY POLITICS DROPPED PUBLIC SUPPORT NEEDED [JIV TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] PUKEKOHE, Friday "There appears to be much discussion and rumours of new parties and new organisations, and general criticism affecting the Government and its efforts to meet the difficulties of the times," said the Rt, Hon. J. G. Coates in his speech this evening. "Prior to the election, the Reform Party, as a result of close investigation into the position of the Dominion, felt its first duty was to place country before party. We entered into a partnership Government for the purpose of giving effect to the adjustments deemed by all sides to be necessary, and we asked for a free hand to use our own judgment, and in our own way to effect immediate and necessary changes, in order that the country might adjust its internal finances to the changed conditions. "There may be some who imagine that conditions have improved and that there is not the same necessity for combination and collective efforts on the part of our legislators. There are others who, from political considerations, advocate that the two parties should be welded." Mr. Coates said that communications sent out at the time the Coalition was formed to candidates and all supporters of the Reform Party set out in general terms the reasons for the necessity for political stability. These had not changed m any particular. The partnership was not entered for the purpose of forming one party. It was not entered into one day to be treated lightly the next. The partnership stood and must until those responsible l'or the conduct of the country's affairs were satisfied that the conditions were such that consideration of political rearrangement could bo justified. " Party politics can only bo considered when we emerge from the performance of the task we have set ourselves," lie continued. "Then and not until then can wo consider discussions, which, after all, are beside the point. The one paramount and important consideration must be the correct and straightforward handling of our country's affairs. This calls for unpleasant and thankless duties on the part of those responsible. . "All may nor. agree with our methods. At tho same time we have a plan. We are working on it and we intend to carry it through. Those who possess patriotism for their country, and particularly for its future, should not hesitate in assisting tlie Government, which is engrossed in the most difficult situation that has ever faced this or any other country. "There is no easy way out and no miracle can be performed. Wo must continue to meet from day to day emergencies as they arise. The test is surely that there aro joint leaders and that there is equal representation in the Cabinet. Mr. Forbes is Prime Minister and as Prime Minister he will get the support of the Reform Party to complete tlie work of rehabilitation."