THE FUSION.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 July 1925, Page 4

THE FUSION.

© o SOME WELLINGTON VIEWS. WELLINGTON, July 15. The suggestion is made m two editorial comments licre on fusion, that the matter is not ended, hut this is indirect, contradiction to lobby opinion. The “Dominion,''; lor instance, stated: “We venture to think that fusion, instead of being doleated, has been merely deferred.’’ The “Dost" summarises the position tint-,: “What ever the explanation may he the misunderstanding ami breakdown of negotiations are exceedingly unfortunate, and we think Mr \\ iltot'd was right in accusing the l’rime Minister ot having hanged the door, hut lie has, "e trust, overshot the mark in describing it as also bolted and barred. We still hope for at least some working arrangement, which will remove or obviate the grave dangers of another threc-

•c.Tnered fight.” When this was shown to a prominent member of the Liberal I’arty he declared that there was no hope for fusion now. either before or aitei the .■lection. 11 is impression <jl the whole negotiations was that when the Liber,ls made advances the Reformers found mother objection, and maintained that oliey until negotiations were hopeess. The fusion question, he com lud,l v ill not he reopened.

m'NKDIN. July 15. The “Star” on fusion says: 'I he fault of the Reform I’arty seems very plainly to have been that which was imputed to certain European nations cf “giving too little and wanting too much.’’' The effect of that attitude in making impossible any present agreement was completed by 51 r Coates s conception of the duty owed bt his Party to -Mr Massey’s policy and to the electors who endorsed it nf the last national pull, ft would he a su tpi i-s to us if Mr Mas-ey would not have welcomed this proposal of fusion. He was header of the Reform I’arty and Prime Minister when prior overtures were made for amalgamation two and a half years ago at the instance oi Reform. The manifesto issued by him on hehalf of hi- I’arty before last election might almost have been designed to prepare the way for it. I’otli parties aliinn o .v. that they are in favour nl fusion, hut Mr Coates savs that it is impossible in any but .such a vague sense as to mean permission to “ride behind’’ for the Liberals at the present time. I’ntil yesterday's debate. Mr ( >ates had given no lead to the (oiintrv in regard to this issue, and the latest, discussions might have been judge,l liifici c-sarv if his. or his Oovcrninciit’s, view of the reipli l ements bail been stated earlier. That is not to say that fusion will not eventually cniiie. ■!KBMirsi"UKmiaasii