WELLINGTON NEWS

Hokitika Guardian, 27 May 1925, Page 1

WELLINGTON NEWS

THE' REFORM CAUCUS.

(Special to “Guardir.n”.) WELLINGTON, AI ay 2J. The Reform caucus to bo held on Wednesday is rightly causing a good deal of interest, and it is remarkable the variety of opinions one hears. On llie main question of leadership it seems In l.c i lie general opinion that the i lon. J. G. Coates will be chosen, yet it is known that the farmers lavour the Hon. A. D. Alel.cod. It is not leadership that is troubling the politicians but i lie question of fusion of parties is tlie great problem, and Imw this is to be solved is-puzzling many people. Tlieoret ieaily there should he no trouble for the interests of tho State demand that personal aims and ambitions should he subordinated to the general welfare, hut actually it is being found

that tlio personal equation cannot l>e easily sol ml. One party desires the other to make the first advance which would obviously give the party to whom the advance is made a certain technical advantage. Then there appears to lie stipulations in the event of fusion. the Liberals must have three important portfolios, and who are to he thrown out to make room for the no" men ? There is some uncertainty as to whether the Government as at present constituted or with "Mr Contes as Prime Minister can carry through the session. Mr \V. T). Jo-snar is an unknown factor and there is a new member to he elected for Franklin, the result of which is unite uncertain. Some authorities think- that the question of fusion should he held over until after the general election, but there is a great deal of sound argument against this. If the electors are uncertain, and are not given a lead, it is probable, that the Moderates or those not tied to any party, may cast their votes for extreme Labour, the only thoroughly organised party, the only party which knows what it wauls and is bending all its effort.to attain its goal. .Many feel that this is a critical time in tile political history of the country, and that unless great sacrifices are made hy both Reformers and Liberals, a Labour Government with Mr H. Holland as Prune Minister is one of the probabilities of the near future. Labour will poll w!' at x lk* elections IwM-ause tho |>uriy H well organised and well disciplined.