POLITICAL.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 May 1925, Page 4

POLITICAL.

IT'S LON ADVOCATE. WEIi.I.JNOTON. ' -May 23

Sir -lolin Luke, Deform mender for Wellington North, who is again standing for that seat, strongly supports union a.s being the country's best interests, and a (ourse he r.dvo:ated some time ttgo. Sir John r, lerred 1" the dilficul ties el' Government under the three party system, and remarked that the ivgrvLtabie death of the late Prime Minister had now given slieugth to the view that sonic a tian should he taken

to consi.lidatc political organisation by bringing together the Liberal and Deform Parties, which united for the "elfare of the Dominion during the war. ’! he active inroads made by the extreme Labour Party bad brought about a different political view than bad been taken for some time past. The .strength of that party could only ke ascertained hv an exj rcs-sion of tbe will of the people at tbe next general election. His coition was that there would not be anv marked increase in the strength

of the extreme Labour Party. The three party system was the greatest Hi Hi - ii Ity that had to he contended with in thi i present situation, lor neither of the two older parties ill the House might have a sufficient working majority to on'tire not only good government but legislation for the full development of the Dominion, which wa; of supreme importance. I lie carrying on of tin- legislation of the Government by compromise was not a satisfactory position in any Slate, and one

of the essentials for progress in a eetntry like New Zealand, where so many services were involved, was a good working majority, and for the Government to he in the bands of a set of men win not only possessed the eunlidcme of the people, but who were ills,, prepared by their energy and combined knowledge and judgment to make New Zealand what it was entitled to l e. one of the meat progressive countries under the British ‘flag. ‘•Personally.” said Sir John. ‘I ..till hold the view 1 expressed ‘■nine time ago. when 1 ad wonted fusion of the two parties boent.-e it was patent in my mind that the Government oT (lie i oilntry could not he in the best interests of the people unless the barriers that separated tin principal parties wore recognised to he largely imnoiimry and in I am prepared !u throw my weight on the side of . who i otinsel a i militi u of the Liberal and Deform Parlies, thus avoiding a three-party contest at the election.” “When do you consider the fusion should he made?” be was asked. “In the immediate luture. ’ he vei lied, “and ( say that individual claims and desires for office should be .subordinated to the best interests, of the country. If immediate union take- place llie combined parties will l„, ;l b!e t„ g., I,> the country with a ... ( „f nroposuls that will be acceptable to' tbe people. If there is no fuse a before the general election there v ill !„, ,-h:ios for another three years."