NO CHANCE OF FUSION

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17143, 27 December 1929, Page 4

NO CHANCE OF FUSION

LABOR AND UNITED MR. SULLIVAN'S COMMENT (Special to the Herald.) CHRISTCHURCH, this day. "Speaking from my knowledge of the sentiment of the the Labor movement, I should s ay that a fusion of the United and Labor parties is somethingoutside the bounds of practical politics," said Mr. D. G. Sullivan,' M.P., to-day, commenting on a suggestion made in a recent message from Wellington that in the event of the Prime' Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, being unable to actively lead his party again an amalgamation of the Government with the Labor Party seemed likely. "The Prime Minister is held in great respect, both in the House and in the country," continued Mr, Sullivan, "and it is the definite wish of all partics that Sir Joseph, who has rendered so much service to the country, will be able to take his place as Leader of the House when ParlLament next assembles." Mr. Sullivan pointed out that it was difficult for any member of the Labor Party to give an authoritative opinion on the question, for the reason that such important matters had to be decided by the party in conference. "I should not put this matter so strongly if it came to questions or'mnderstandings with the Government," added Mr. Sullivan. " The attitude of the Labor Party towards the United Party has been to judge all questions 'Sufimitted to the House oir their mefrlfS, aiid to -support or oppose them in' accordance with their bearing on Labor's policy. "There are those within the Labor Party who think there is something to be gained by the workers if there were a more definite understanding between the two parties regarding the legislation to be introduced. - .There is something to be said for that point of view, but that matter can only be decided, and will be decided when representatives of the Labor Party from all parts of the Dominion assemible in conference next April. However, lam sure the Labor Party Will always maintain its independence, no matter" what decisions are reached."