THE END OF THE COALITION.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 November 1919, Page 4

THE END OF THE COALITION.

(N.Z. TIMES.)

Ouit of the chorus of imaginative abuse hurled at the Liberal leader for ending the coalition, known as the National Government, something conclusive and illuminating has at last emerged. Mr Massey has frankly declared that lie was not at all surprised by the action of the Liberal leader, and Mr Lee, at Oamaru, after quoting the resolution of the Reform caucus, asking its leader to obtain permanence for the Coalition, has said that overtures then made to the Liberals were rejected. The Hon. Mr Noswortliy has added his testimony of that rejection. He was not very logical in his reference for lie began by declaring his rooted objection to any coalition —and ended by condemning the Liberals for acting upto their similar objection by refusing overtures to coalesce. But at all events his testimony supports the conclusion that tlijo refusal of the Liberals to coalesce was given in plenty of time to enable the Reform Government to prepare for carrying on. Mr the other night must have been either forgotful or ill-informed when he blamed tb!e Liberal leader for suddenly leaving the Prime Minister and his Reform colleagues in the lurch. Now that no have arrived at clearness, it is about time the subject was dropped. AVb want all our time for very much more important issues. Get on with the elections.