NATIONAL PARTY?

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20360, 18 July 1934, Page 7

NATIONAL PARTY?

Permanent Coalition Between United and Reform. MOVE EXPECTED SOOX. (“Star ” Parliamentarv Reporter.) WELLINGTON, July IS. Important political developments involving the possible reconstruction oi Cabinet and the formation of a National Party are expected to take place shortly. The question of the leadership of the new party is also stated to be involved, but this is not likely to be decided until after an appeal has been made to the electors. A meeting of Reform members of Parliament was to have been held in the near future for the purpose of discussing the part which the Reform Party would play in the next general election, but it is understood that this meeting has been postponed until early next month. In the meantime, however. United members of the Coalition have been active, and it is stated that it is their intention shortly to interview Mr Forbes and Mr Coates with a view to discussing frankly the present political situation. There is a strong feeling in favour of a permanent Coalition between the two constituent parties, and one of the suggestions is that the leadership question should be temporarily deferred so that it can remain open until the electors have decided whether a combined party should be given another term of office. This would reserve to the elected members the right to select the most outstanding from their number. It is stated that the one selected need not necessarily be one of the present leaders. In the same quarter it is advocated that before the next general election there should be a tacit understanding. The first task of the selected leader will be the re-formatiori of a Ministry which will provide for the infusion of a considerable element of new blood, including more adequate representation of city interests. “Is Inevitable.’* It is confidently predicted in informed circles that a permanent Coalition is inevitable, and that its establishment will not be delayed much longer. A counting of heads is stated to show a substantial majority in favour of the proposal, but it not yet clear whether the “ open leadership ” proposition will be generally acceptable. This is a consideration which is being carefully examined independently of the plenary caucus possibilities. Members of both groups are convinced, however, of one apparent certainty, that the present Parliament will complete its full course and that a general election before the end of 1933 is highly improbable.

An invitation to attend the Reform meeting was, it is understood, extended to Mr R. A. Wright, member for Wellington Suburbs, but he carried the independence he has shown in the House to a refusal to be present. The position of Mr W. J. Poison, Government member for Stratford, is somewhat piquant. He is the only out and out Coalitionist in the House and therefore it would appear that he can attend meetings of both the United and Reform sections. “ Yes,” he said, when questioned to-day, “I shall be at each and I shall not hesitate to express my views.”