A NATIONAL PARTY.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 24 June 1924, Page 7

A NATIONAL PARTY.

FORESHADOWED BY REFORMER. By Telegraph—Press? Association. AUCKLAND, June 23. Mr J. S. Dickson, M.R. V for Parnell, and senior Government Whip, was interviewed to-day on the subject of a National Party from both the Reform and Liberal ranks, with possibly a small Labour element. , The time had arrived, said Mr Dickson, when there could bo only two parties in New Zealand. Ho believed it was absolutely necessary there should bo reconstruction of the present Cabinet. Nothing less would satisfy the country. He also believed that at ihe next election a strong National Party would be formed, more especially to light city electoratse. This party would be more or less a fusion ol iho forces of Reform and Liberalism. Country members and country people were taking about a Country Party, and he thought a National Party would come from the city and bo a .success. It would not be surprising if there was an anialgamaiion of the two. It would not be so strong on party lines rs either the present or previous Governments. A broad national point ol view would be brought to bear on all questions. That, was merely his idea. He had not been approached on the subject, but the feeling in the electorates pointed in that direction. Mr Dickson predicted an early elec tion, saying: “J do not thing the Government will got its measures through, and an appeal to the country is quite likely. This is my opinion as a private member and as Government Whip.”