THE SUGGESTED COALITION

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1300, 1 December 1911, Page 6

THE SUGGESTED COALITION

* ; FURTEEE STATEMENT BY MR. MASSEY, IB? TelegraDh.-Press Association.) Auckland, November 30. Replying to the Prime Minister's statement in Welliiigtju on Wednesday night in regard to tho suggested coalition of the two parties, Mr. in n speech at Crey Ly,,,, to-night, said that he mot '\ V-, whose letter had been quoted by Kir Joseph Ward iu Napier, about four years ago during a n'sit to -Vipier. He accepted an invitation to attend a meeting of supporters of the Opposition, and among them was Mr. Nelson. He was rather surprised at tho presence of that gentleman, who he had always understood was a supporter of tho tiovernment, and, in addition to being ono of his personal friends, was and is at present connected in business with Sir Joseph Ward. (Laughter.) Mr. Nelson had explained the manner in which he had mado a coalition proposal to that meeting, and in fact, .Mr. Massev ielnavkod, Mr. Nelson was the first man in New Zealand to suggest a coalition between tho two political parties. "I did not take the suggestion seriously, continued Mr. Massev. "Shortly afterwards I visited Dunedin. and there. I was interviewed by a number of peoplo who I found wore strongly in favour of a coalition, not between the two parties in tho Hoiiae, but. between the two great political parties iu tho countrv. Ai that time there was not. a great difference between the numerical strength of the parties, and I believe that it will shortlv be found that the supporters of the Oppo". ration are iu a largo majority." (Applause.) Mr,. Masse.y sa.id that ho attended a mooting iu Duncdiu, and informed those present that tho proposal did not appeal to him, but ho promised to submit it to his parly. A smaller number of men approached him with a similar propo?.il in Chnstchiuch, and in Wellington ho lind.a similar experience, Correspondence, also camo to him from a number of leading men who evidently thought they would achicvo something notable by unifiiiz the two big parties in the Dominion. That no suggestion of a coalition ever came to him from Sir Joseph Ward was mado clear by Mr. Massev. . He said that ho then notified the people who had discussed tho subject, with him that the members of the Opposition were quite satisfied to remain as they were, and take their chances at the general elections. 'These men had taken it for granted (hat their communications, both oral and written, would be treated as confidential, and, for that reason, lie could not make their names public. His statement was, however, absolute (ruth in everv 'respect.