THE BREACH HEALED.

New Zealand Times, Volume LVII, Issue 2519, 24 May 1895, Page 2

THE BREACH HEALED.

ONCE SWORN ENEMIES. NOW AFFECTIONATE FRIENDS.

SOME LIGHT ON THE DIBBS-PARKES COALITION.

By Telegraph.—Press Association. — Copyright, Sydney, May 23.

Tho correspondence between Sir Henry Pavkcs and Sir George Dibbs has been published. . - \ . The former writes: —" You and I have been 1 drawn to the same side in a contest which will form an epoch in the political history of the country. Tho power which has been kindling in men’s breasts during the last three or four years has burst tho bonds of local jealousy and .provincial darkness, and .the new days of a Federal Ministry aro in sight. Before the change of Ministry in Ib’.ll, I took up tho belief that Australian Union would never bo brought about until tho. old provincial parties ..rose to tho level of tho nowand mighty work of nation-rnaking. Lot ns bo thankful that by the impact of differing minds a clearer and fuller light will bo diffused upon tho path to a wider, grander, and a more abiding arena of patriotic service. It is right that tho struggle between Provincial Freotrado and Provincial Protection should cease, because neither holds any place before the resistless wave of Federal thought and action. It is for narrow-minded men like Mr Reid to talk of that impossible thing Provincial Freotrado, and.prate in his brazen-faced manner at tho same time of a Federation by which tho Provincial Customhouse must of necessity be swept away. Can there be any man so susceptible to delusion ns to believe him P Our,action is not a coalition involving conflicting opinions, but an alliance ot patriotic men of all creeds round the standard of Australian Union, to which we have nailed our colours.”

Sir George Dibbs wrote to Sir Henry Parlces:—“l desire to say I am fully in accord with your opinion that the interests of the country would best be served by each of us extinguishing tho personal antagonism which may have boon allowed to influence our minds iu the past. I heartily join in burying tho political hatchet, so that whatever ability each may possess may be allowed to operate in unison for the country’s benefit, ; With regard to the future, it is sufficient that we agree. In Mr Reid and his Government the welfare of the country is being endangered. Personally, I cannot see that anything ' but the greatest injury to tho advancement of tho country must follow his rule and mode of government, and I fall fully, into lino with that portion of your prouunciamento which allows tho" fiscal question to remain in statu quo until the general question of Federation is accomplished. When tho country is relieved of the Reid Governmeut, then it will be for the joint party to decide upon the policy and upon tho leader, and in this event, if tho public interests .required it, I would willingly stand aside for a better man. I accept your letter in a frank conciliatory tone, and in the spirit of friendship. in : which it was written.”

The Premier says of those letters—- “ There is nothing in real or condo history approaching tho Parkes/Dibba correspoudence. A few yoais ago those gentlemen swore that nothing but" the grave could efface their personal ..hostility, This has been realised in a sense little dreamt of, beoaqse no doubt those tivo letters betoken a political grave for them both. To sap these two venerable political strategists simulating the most artless affection is very amusing, but slightly sickening, tho motive is so transparent and mean.” Received May 23, 10.15 p.m. - Sydney, May 23.

Sir George Dibbs and Sir Henry Parkes, between whom strained relations have existed for some time, shook hands this morning, and subsequently breakfasted together. - : ■ ■