The Waikato Times With which is Incorporated The Waikato Argus. FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 1925. NATIONAL GOVERNMENT.

Waikato Times, Volume 99, Issue 16512, 5 June 1925, Page 6

The Waikato Times With which is Incorporated The Waikato Argus. FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 1925. NATIONAL GOVERNMENT.

The proposal that the members of the two principal political parties— Reform and Liberal—should get together, discuss the present situation with the object of sinking their differences, burying the hatchet, and forming a National Party, has been keenly discussed and widely approved. It is recognised that there is very little, if any, difference in policy between the forces led by .Mr. Coates and those which follow Mr. Wilford, that prejudice rather than principle divides them, and if they can meet and agree upon a basis of union and go to the country with a strong, progressive Nationalist platform, they will return with the prospect of lifting the political life of the Dominion on to a much higher plane than is possible under existing conditions, and carry out urgently-needed reforms which in the atmosphere hitherto subsisting has not been practicable. The advocates of the formation of such a party have not been confined to any one section. Liberals and Reformers have with one consent stressed its desirableness and have urged that the time is peculiarly opportune for bringing it about. Further, it is abundantly evident that public opinion is behind the movement, and there is a general desire that it should be given effect. At the Reform caucus last week the subject was brought up, it being reported that Hon. J. G. Coates was authorised to set up a committee to meet the representatives of the Liberal Party and discuss the proposal. Mr. Wilford announced that the Liberals were prepared to negotiate, and then for a brief space it seemed as if a deadlock had been reached, each party waiting for the other to take the initiative. Mr Wilford has now made a definite advance. In a letter to Mr. Coates, which he published yesterday, lie suggested a conference to ascertain if it is not possible to arrive at some method by which a combined effort may be made to meet the many serious problems, economic and social, which will arise in the near future. In making the advance in the way he has done Mr. Wilford has risen to a great height. Re relegates party and personal interests resolutely to the background, and bases his proposal solely on National grounds. lie stresses the point that in the suggested fusion there must bo no thought of a combination to light Labour, but they must aim at producing a policy for the whole of the people and laying the spirit of class; consciousness. Mr. Wilford has given a great load for which he is lo be honoured. He demonstrates that he is not actuated by personal motives, but h; ready to immolate himself that the interests of the Dominion may be served. The next move is with Mr Coates, and we do not think he will be found warding, but will meet Mr. Wilford's advances in the same .generous spirit in which they were made. As Prime Minister and leader of the Reform Party, he will recognise that tin' Liberals must not lie permitted to make all the sacrifices. If the proposed National Party is In be brought into being there must be self-abne-gation all round. There are as able

men amongst the Liberals as there arc; amongst the Reformers, and their claims to a place in a re-constituted cabinet must be duly weighed. It therefore, behoves the present holders of portfolios to follow the magnificent lead given them by Mr. Wilford, and not permit their personal ambitions to stand in the way of the consummation of what is in every way desirable in the country's interests. The public will expect individual ministers to place themselves unreservedly in the hands of the Prime Minister, who must bo given an absolutely free hand in the appointment of his colleagues, if, as is hoped, the fusion of parties is brought about. Provided all concerned approach the subject in the fine patriotic spirit displayed by Mr. Wilford, there is no doubt whatever that a satisfactory agreement will be arrived at, and neither can it be doubted that a National Party with a progressive National policy would be assured of a substantial majority at the polls, assuring the Dominion of stable Government for a lengthy period.