NEW ZEALAND POLITICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3397, 23 April 1919, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND POLITICS.

STRONG GOVERNMENT NEEDED. CONTINUANCE OF COALITION SUGGESTED. AUCKLAND, April 15. Tho Hon. D. H. Guthrie, at Whangaroa, expressed the opinion that the best thing for the country would be for the two principal political parties to continue the coalition and seek the suffrages of the electors as a united body at the next general election. Sir James Allen, questioned on the earn* subject, said: "I certainly think it essential that there should be a strong Government for the next few years. « This is equally as important a need now as it was during the war period, for reconstruction is a verj difficult task. Tho work ahead will require a strong Government and the best brains of the country to carry it out." When asked whether he favoured a Coalition Government, Sir James Allen said: "I don't care what it is so long as it is 4 strong Government; but the # difference between the two political parties is so smell that I cannot understand why they should not one. I think also if the two present parties went to the country ai one the bulk of the electors would support such a party, presuming that the leader, whoever he might be. framed a policy acceptable to the majority of members ana of the country. Despite minor differences. I do not think there would be any difficulty in coming to an agreement about many important things that require to be done."