POLITICAL SITUATION.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 February 1923, Page 2

POLITICAL SITUATION.

TALK OF A FUSION'. PROPOSALS OUTLINED. SPECIAL TO GUARDIAN. WELLINGTON, Feb. 21 The statement by the “Dominion” that members of the rank and file of the Reform and Liberal Parties, with the approval of the respective leaders are discussing together the possibility of bringing about a working arrangement between the two parties is being supplemented by current political gossip. It is stated by those who proless to be in the confidence of both parties that, there is a feeling among members on both sides that the time and the opportunity have arrived, when there should he a drastic readjustment- of party lines. The story is startling, tt implies that Mr Massey is anxious to retire from active service in the battle fiont and would he glad to hand over the reins of Government to a combination of -younger men chosen from both the main parties, and freed from some of the hampering traditions that, beset the present Government. A beginning with the movement might be made by the admission of two or three Liberals to the Cabinet at once, and the retirement- of a corresponding number of the present members who could not be expected to accept the new conditions. Mr Massey would remain in charge til! tlu* new* iuT;;n;_ceinonts wore running smoothly. .Mr Massey gives no credence at all to the story, though he admits that personally lie would welcome any development which would enable him to lay down the cares of office with an easy conscience, lie also insists that the divisions between the Reformers and a great number of the Liberals have no valid existence. They should he brushed away, lie says, in a patriotic effort for the best results for the country. Mr Wilford seems to regard the whole story as a great joke. There is much more difference between the platforms of the Liberals and the Reformers than the Prime Minister would have the country believe, but if the Reformers would endorse the platform of the Liberals there might he a basis for profitable discussions. The Labour Party, of course, is delighted at the prospect of a fusion be--1 wool! its two older opponents.