A PARTY FUSION.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 June 1924, Page 4

A PARTY FUSION.

A RKh'ORMl'Ti'S WISH

[by TKr.KoitArn — mat juif.ss association

ACCKLA.ND. June 23

Mr .1. S. Dickson. A1.1’.. for Parnell, and Senior Government Whip, was interviewed to-dav on the subject of a National Party, being formed from both the Reform and Liberal ranks, with a possible small Labour clement.

Referring to a statement by Air If. I{. AlcKensue on the subject, lie slid that lie thought that there was a groat deal in 'Dial Air .McKenzie had said, because the time had arrived when theie coni.l be only two parties in New Zealand, lie believed that it was absolutely necessary Hint there should lie a reconstruction of the present Cabinet. Nothing less, he .said, would satisfy tbt' coiintiy.

Air Dickson said lie also believed that at the next election, a strong National Party would lie formed, more especially to light in city electorates. This party would be more or less a fusion of the forces o! Reform and Liberalism.

The country Alembers and the couiitrv people lie said, were talking about a Country Party, and he though! that a National Party would come from the <it.v and would be a success. It would not be siirpiising if there was an amalgamation of the two. It would not he so strung on unity lines ns either the present or the previous Governments. A broad national point of view would hi' brought to bear on all questions. That was merely his idea. He had not hern ap.pioaclioil on the subject, but the feeling in the electorates pointed in that direction. Air Dickson predicted an early election. saving: ‘T do not think the Government "ill g ,- t ils measures through, and an appeal to the country is quite likely. This i- my opinion, ns a private .Member, and as the Government Whip. Tilt: COAIiXC SESSION. WELLINGTON. ~June PA. A lengthy Cabinet sitting took place this afternoon, and the Prime Minister afterwards staled that the programme foi the session had l e"ii tinder discussion. "I am already at woik mi tinfinancial sin'.einonl." added Air .Massey “and it wilt be completed within a few days: but. of course ibe Estimates have also to be coiisidigcd in onr.eeiion with it."