BACK TO REFORM

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 277, 23 November 1936, Page 6

BACK TO REFORM

MR. KYLE'S OPINION OLD PARTY LINES FRANK DISCLOSURES CHRISTCHURCH, Nov. 21. I Some tranK disclosures regaruui o the altitude of Keiorm memours u. Parliament towards the Nationa. Party were made by Hie memoer 101 Riccarton, Mr. M. b. b. Kyle, in an interview at Christcnurch jast night. Recent developments, he said, nau paved the way lor a strong revival 01 lhe old Reform Party, ’mat revival was imminent. “I think that there is only one solu- ■ tion to the political ana domestic problems now lacing the Opposition party—that is a definite cleavage anu a return to the old party alignment which existed before the 1931 elections,” said Mr. Kyle. “I firmly believe that the time has arrived, after four and a-ha*lf years oi unsuccessful coalition partnership, lor a strong attempt to be made to build up the Reform Party to its former greatness,’’ Mr. Kyle said. “I believe that we can again develop our former strength of organisation and influence and that with a progressive, vigorous, new policy we should be in a position in 1938 to offer this country a programme which will save it from the obviously dire results of a continuation of the Labour Government’s Socialistic plans. Not a Single Unit. “For the four years and a-half of the coalition, but particularly in the last six months, there has been far too much intrigue and dissension between the two parties to enable the arrangement to work successfully. We have not been an efficient single political unit. It has been obvious for many months now that the split must come. The present situation is evidence of this; the resignation of Sir George Wilson brought, it home beyond doubt. His resignation was brought about by the intrigue which has been going on for so long, both within the Parliamentary party and outside it. It simply became impossible for Sir George Wilson to retain the position, it having become apparent, to him that he did not possess the full loyally of men who had but. a short time previously promised him their wholehearted support. There have even been a number of the members of the Opposition who. after promising their loyalty, have indulged in clandestine meetings held to discuss action which could only be interpreted as disI loval. To Fight Labour. “Long before Parliament finished I this year,” Mr. Kyle said, "it became apparent to me that the Opposition could not work as a united party, and that we were then faced with Ihe urgent need for a return to the old grouping if we were to be in a position to light the Labour programme at all successfully as an Opposition. Everyone knew that, we were not able to fight as a single unit. At one stage, after very serious consideration ol the position, Messrs. J. G. Coates, A. Hamilton, W. P. Endean, T. D. Burnett, and myself were on the verge of forming an independent Reform group, working in Parliament independently of lhe other sections of the Opposition. We were certain, moreover, of the support we needed from enough other members to give us a majority in the Opposition. “Only constitutional difficulties, one being the position such a move would place the leader in, prevented us from making the split, there and then, hut we did definitely make up our minds that the cleavage had to come. “This present crisis offers lhe opportunity for the parties to split," Mr. Kyle continued, “and for the revival of the Reform Party along lines which I am sure could gain for it all its old strength. Naturallv we must, have an advanced policy to suit the new conditions, but. P will be a policy giving the people of New Zealand freedom of action, retaining the best ideals ol democracy, and preserving private en- , terprise and individualism. Mr. Wilkinson Not Supported. Mr. Kyle said that it was certain that none of the Reform supporters inside or outside the present National Partv would support lhe leadership ol Mr. C. A. Wilkinson, M.P. for Egmont. “Mr. Wilkinson has proved that he would not be suitable as a leader,’ Mr. Kyle said. "For instance, he had an opportunity to show his attitude when he wa* asked to join lhe Coalition. He refused, declaring that he would be under the leadership of no man. We consider he has failed us once. “The great majority nf the people behind the National Party are actually strong supporters of the old Reform ideals," Mr. Kyle added. "I a.m sure they will welcome its revival under able leadership and with an up-to-date policy. This recent dcxclopment. has launched the revival on i’s “NO DESIRE FOR SPLIT” FEELING IN COUNTRY MR. FORBES’ COMMENT [ Per "’.er. Association. 1 CHRISTCHURCH. Nov. 21. “I can’t understand it at all. The idea that a sectio-i of the National Party has been considering a breakaway is quite new to me," said the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forces, former Leader of the Opposition, to-day when asked for his comments on the statement by Mr. H. S. S. Kyle, M.P.. that the only solution to the political and domestic problems now facing the Opposition was a return to the old party alignment that existed before the 1931 election. Mr. Forbes said he was not aware of the existence of any independent group in the Opposition last session. So far as he knew all members of the party were loyally supporting him and were working together quite . amicably. “Although members may have their ’ differences," he continued, "I am quite sure that in the country there is no desire whatever for a split in our

forces into two sections. With twA sections there usually comes a third. Whatever individual members may feel there can be no doubt that the feeling among our supporters in the country is absolutely solid and any division in our ranks would militate against our success in the future. A division at this time would be entirely condemned by the country and it is a great pity that there are differences among members. I feel certain that what Mr. Kyle says is not in accord with the wishes of the people of the country.” Mr. Forbes added that any division at the present time would be absolutely suicidal and would postpone any hopes they might have of being able successfully to oppose the Government in the future. OTAGO FOR UNITY MR. ANSELL’S COMMENT i’Per Association J DUNEDIN, Nov. 2X There appears to be little sympathy in Otago with the view expressed by Mr. H. S. S. Kyle, M.P., for Riccarton, that the only solution of th< problem facing the Opposition Party is to return to the party alignment existing before the 1931 election. S'* far as can be gauged, local opinion i that a division of forces at the pre . sent time or in future would be fata to the interests ot those who are opposed to the present Government and it is maintained that in Otago there is complete unity brought about, by the strict loyalty to the National Party. “So far as Otago is concerned generally. the attitude has distinctly been one of loyalty to the party pact which had its culmination in the formation of the National Party,” said Mr. A. E. Ansell, former M.P. for Chalmers, when commenting on Saturday on Mr. Kyle's statement. Mr. Ansell was chairman of the Otago division of the party when it. was constituted before the iast election but with others has resigned office pending completion of the local machinery in connection with the new National Party. “If the country gets a good Government tha name ot the party would seem to be of little moment,” added Mr. Ansell. “Internal dissension can never make for unity and unity is greatly to be desired under the present conditions, for dissension will be helpful only to our political opponents.”

ISSUES AT STAKE 4 NO ROOM FOR DISSENSION COMMENT BY MR. HAMILTON. I Per Pi chb Association J CHRISTCHURCH, Nov. 22. "I would venture the opinion that there is more real dissension, though it is not so evident, in the ranks ol the present Government than there is in the ranks of the Opposition. There is no question of a split in the National Party," said Hon. Adam Hamilton, Leader of the Opposition, commenting on Mr. Kyle’s statement that there was growing opinion in favour of the separation of the Reform group from the National Party. "It. is perhaps too much to hope for that a change in a party such as that of leadership could be brought about without differences of opinion arising," said Mr. Hamilton. "It is useless, however, for any member to give his own interpretation of the various opinions that always exist among individuals in public life. Members of the Coalition Party worked together in as complete loyalty to their leader, Mr. Forbes, as any party has ever worked. The point of importance now, however, is that after due consideration the decision was until it is altered by the same method made that the decision must stand as it was made." Mr. Hamilton added that the ideal Parliamentary system would be one of no parties at all, but in a country governed by a Parliament elected on a democratic basis, such a thing was impracticable. The next best was the two-party system —Government, and Opposition. The present Opposition had declared for the two-party system and this had been endorsed by the Dominion Council. He felt confident that the majority of supporters of the National Party approved what was done. “II is now the duty of all to stand by this decision," said Mr. Hamilton. “The issues at stake arc far too important to allow any differences of opinion to weaken our strength." Referring more definitely to Mr. Kyle's suggestion about the revival of the Reform Party. Mr. Hamilton said that the Reform Party was now nonexistent. Its organisation was merged in that of lhe National Party and such funds as it had, had been used to assist, the National candidates at the last election. He felt sure from the assurances he had received from various parts of New Zealand, that those adherents who had in the past supported the old Reform Party would k support the new National Party. Commenting on Mr. Kyle’s statement that during the recess of the session of Parliament a group consisting of Messrs. Coates, Hamilton, Endean. T. D. Burnett, and Kyle was, after very rerious consideration of the position, on the verge of forming an Independent Reform group working in Parliament independently of the other section of the Opposition, Mr. Hamilton said he simply did not know what Mr. Kyle was referring to