PRIME MINISTER MAKES OFFER.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18547, 22 August 1928, Page 1

PRIME MINISTER MAKES OFFER.

REFORMERS WILLING TO FIND ROOM FOR NATIONAL LEADER.

(Special, to the Star.”) WELLINGTON, August 22. The Leader of the National Party jsas. ge&UaL chkteL. Minister last night for recent utterances about, S.O.S. appeals and other things. Mr Coates said that Mr Forbes had said a lot of things about Mr Coates not l>eing a successful Prime. Minister. “Of course,” Coates, “we know that he does not express his own opinions. The honourable gentleman has said only what has been drafted for him. That is the case as far as his recent newspaper statement is concerned. Those remarks were not his own. We know that.” Later Mr Coates said that it was possible that Mr Porbes might regret his recent remarks. It seemed that Mr Forbes was in the middle of the road. ‘I hope.” said Mr Coates, laughing good naturedly, ‘‘that he won't get pushed oft it. He can please himself. I’m sure my friends on this side of the House can find room for him. There is a peg in the Government Whip’s room, where he can hang his hat. and be happier than ever he has been in his Tile.” Mr Coates wound up his speech by declaring that the Reform Party was a solid battalion, all moving steadily in one direction. Mr Lee (Auckland East) : Ah, the goose-step! Mr Coates: Is it any wonder the Opposition grows pale, that they begin to shudder, when they see what is before them at the next election. They are up against it. An Opposition member: They have got. you-on the run! (Laughter.)