THE COALITION SUGGESTIONS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1299, 30 November 1911, Page 6

THE COALITION SUGGESTIONS.

♦ THAT LETTER. REMARKS BY THE PRIME MINISTER. During his Hying visit to Wellington last evening, Sir Joseph Ward fulfilled his undertaking to make public a letter relating to the suggestion made somo three years ago that, there should be a coalition between the Government and the Opposition The letter is as follows:- . Tomoana, Hawkc's liny, N.Z. October 13) 1911. Dear Sir. Joseph,—As one of my guidiii!; stars through life has born i'air-play, I think, in view of the discussion in the House a week or two Vmh;lc, it is only fair that I should record wutit I know. Prior to the Inst general election, 1 attended my first and last political mooting. (Opposition.) 1 wns very strong at tho lime in the belief that the very thing for the country would be a coalition, and I boldly made the proposition, which was replied to by a very pronounced Oppositionist, as follows:— "How can wo? Ward has made no advances." It was replied, "How is lie likely to, when ho is on top?" Jlr. Massey would not even discuss n*>" proposal. Now, the last four lines r'f above, seem to settle two points— Ward had made no advances, and Mnssey declined to discuss it at a meeting of his own supporters. Thin it was clear he was not in favour of it.—l am, sincerely yours, W. NELSOX.

In handing the letter to the press, Uie Prime Minister said that it was quito unsolicited, ai he had had no communication with Mr. Xelson in the nuittrr. He wished to assort once more than ho novel , made any offer of a coalition, Mid 110 man could have made such an offer from tho (iovernment side, except himself.