COALITION FUTURE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21845, 6 July 1934, Page 10

COALITION FUTURE

CONSTITUENT PARTIES FUSION OR DISSOLUTION REFORM MEETING CALLED NO IMMEDIATE CHANGES [by TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON. Thursday A meeting, which is expected to bo of somo significance in determining the question of endurance or eventual dissolution of the Coalition pact between the Reform and United Parties, has been convened by Mr. Coates, Minister of Finance, and Leader of the Reform Party. Mr. Coates' indisposition has resulted in the meeting, which was to have been held this week, being postponed indefinitely. Reform members of Parliament number 29 and constitute the stronger section of tho Coalition. Indeed, on the latest survey, there aro only 14 definite United Party members, and in such circumstances it seems that tho question of continuance of Mr. Forbes in the leadership must ariso if it is decided to merge tho two parties permanently. An Eventual Fusion There are members in both sections who consider that such a fusion will eventually take place, but there is also a feeling, particularly among Reform members, that with the return of normal conditions in tho Dominion, the pact should end and tho old party alignments be re-established. It is probably with a view to consulting his own followers on such points that Mr. Coates has convened the meeting of Reform members.

It is not expected that the general election will take place until the end of next year, but meanwhile some candidates are being announced and members feel that it is desirable to have the future position defined before any awkward complications result. Emphasis should be placed on the fact that there is no suggestion that the two parties to the Coalition should dissolve partnership in the immediate future. The recent caucus of Coalition members has been described as the happiest held since 1931. The convening of the Reform meeting has been done with the knowledge of Mr. Forbes, and it is possible that a similar meeting of United members will be held during the session. Main Policy Effective

It is believed to be Mr. Coates' personal opinion that the Coalition should endure only as long as the circumstances leading to its formation necessitate. Probably the main section of the Government's reconstruction policy to deal with the economic situation has now been put into effect, but it is unlikely, even under the most speedy restoration of normal conditions, that any definite steps to dissolve the Coalition will bo possible before next year.

There is the precedent of the National Government during the Great War to suggest that the two parties will eventually go their separate ways. On the other hand, there has also to be considered the growing sentiment that there is room in New Zealand for only two parties, Labour and anti-Labour. In these conflicting circumstances, it is difficult to predict the eventual outcome of the preliminary discussions about to take place.