THE FUSION.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 June 1925, Page 3

THE FUSION.

.MR, WILKORD’S LETTER. THE PRTMK MINISTER-. fDY PUR PT'.KHH AKSOmATIOX.I WELLINGTON. Juno 4. Mr I’. NT. Wilford, Leader of Uio-Liberal-Labour Party in a letter fo the Prime Minister, tbe Hon J. CL Coates, in (onnection wit.li the statements made to briii).; about a friendly merger of tbe two parties, says, inter alia:—“ It lias been reported in the press, though at present unconfirmed by you, that your caucus passed a resolution authorising you to appoint a committee to confer with tbe committee on our side to see if it is possible to make one party of our two parties. Lot me sav, whether that press report is true or untrue, wo are prepared to set up a committee of six to meet a committee of tbe same number of your party to see it a practicable modus operandi can be attained. Let me say to you and your party and the electors of New Zealand that I neither desire, nor would T accept office if a new party eventuated. T hope this statement will prove to the people of New Zealand that T am not blocking tbe wav for a conference. This atti■fiule of mine, though made public for the first time, is known to my party. 1 think having made this statement, 1 could be a useful member of tbe committee. My sole object in writing this letter is to ascertain whether there is nnv way of arriving at a method whereby a combined effort may bo made to meet many serious problems, economic and social, which will surely arise, if T can rend the signs correctly, in a very short time. I am satisfied we must have reconstruction for a recovery. Li conclusion, let me say, if. after tbe conference, no policy can be agreed upon, and no amalgamation can take place, each party will have the sntisr, v fjon of knowing that in the interests ~r Dominion that an effort has been made.”