POLITICAL SITUATION

Taranaki Daily News, 18 January 1930, Page 11

POLITICAL SITUATION

WHAT MR. COATES THINKS

COMMENTS ON FUSION IDEA. reform party stands firm. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. The Leader of the Opposition, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, made the following statement to-night:— There are two features of the present political situation. The first of these is internal dissension within the United Party. That is the domestic concern of another party upon which I have , nothing to say. Also arising from the " public discussion of the affairs of the United Party is the suggestion that there should be fusion between that party and the Reform Party. In looking at the suggestion of fusion as it appears through the- columns of the Press I would like to remark that the function of political parties is not for the purpose of saving their political skins. Any structure of this sort will not endure. Political parties can only serve the people and the country well by adhering to their ideals and principles, and anyhow the final decision must rest with the electors themselves. There may be some who supported the United Party at the last election without being told or becoming aware of the political .principles for which the party stood, with the resulting present confusion of mind that always arises when promises are not followed by performances. Be that as.it may, the Reform Party stands to-dlty with clearly enuciatcd principles and no impossible promises. As Leader of the Reform Party I am bound to say that It is my duty to welcome support from anyone' who is in accord with the .objects, and principles for which the' Reform Party stands. This country is suffering from world-wide economic disorder and only a sound Government will provide relief. I am afraid this is not to be attained by patchwork between parties. If any members of the United Party or any other country feel that the interests of the country can best be served by their debeptahcc and support of the : principles for which the Reform Party stands, I as leader, in the interests of our country, will accept such support.