POLITICAL CO-OPERATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 August 1930, Page 10

POLITICAL CO-OPERATION.

Few will deny-the wisdom of the suggestion made at a recent meeting of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce that the Reform and United Parties should coalesce, but that it is within the region of practical politics is very doubtful. Discussing the Budget that is now before Parliament and the political situation generally the chamber urged that as the problems with which New Zealand is faced are economic rather than political, and as there was very little difference in outlook between the United and Reform parties they should coalesce and present a united front to the Socialist opposition. The coalition would enable economic questions to be studied without political considerations having to be weighed and the country would be presented with the clear cut issue of Socialism or anti-Socialism on the next appeal to the electorate. All of this sounds excellent advice, but party politics being what they are there seems little likelihood of it being followed. But if a. formal alliance of antiSocialist parliamentarians is unlikely, the sheer iorCe of circumstances appears to be bringing about a good deal of cooperation between them. The Prime Minister has announced his intention to consult both branches of the Opposition in regard to legislation- it is proposed to introduce. Mr. Forbes, or whoever is to represent the Dominion at the Imperial Conference, must leave -New Zea.land within the next week or two and the Prime Minister naturally seeks some assurance that the minority Administration which he leads will not be defeated during his absence. The only way this security can be obtained is by cooperation with one or both of the Opposition parties. What is to be hoped is that the Reform leader .will feel able to co-operate with the Government rather than that it should be forced to rely upon the support of the Labour Party. No doubt some working arrangement can be come to between the Ministry and one of the parties, in opposition. For the benefit of the country it is to be hoped the anti-Socialistic elements will be found pulling together. But if such co-operation is feasible in order to meet an emergency it must constitute a strong argument in support of a more permanent relationship.