FUSION.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 July 1925, Page 3

FUSION.

MR. WJbKORD’S MESSAGE. [UY TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION,] WELLINGTON, July 17. Air T. M. Wilford has handed to the press, for publication, the following manifesto: “Wo intend, said Air Millord, to begin our campaign next week, and will have no difficulty, in finding candidates to support the Nationalists. It has been evident, for some time past, that the three-pal l\ system in polities could not continue without detriment to good government in this country, ft was in this spiritthat our party in Parliament entered into negotiations for the formation of n new National Party, which negotiations have broken down. Me believe that we did all that honourable men could do to bring it about. It is im-

perative, in our opinion, that matteis should not remain ns they are. Our friends and supporters in the country and those who earnestly desire to see stable government assured, expect something more. The Caucus of our Party lias since the breakdown of negotiations. seriously considered the position, and, to give effect to that desire, wo have decided to take a lead in the matter. With that end in view and with a belief that the best interests of the country ran bo served I, v such a step being definitely and immediately taken, we have resolved to proceed with the formation of a National Party. We ask our friends and supporters in the country who have lor so long Itoen associated with the Lib-eral-Labour Party, to support us in this action. MV believe it to be in accord with the true spirit of Liberalism that stands for democratic Government. which the present three party system renders impossible. A resolution has been carried that the name of the new party he the “National

Party,” ami, as such, with a constructive policy, we intend to approach the electors of Now Zealand. We trust that this change will indicate that, we are viewing the situation in no narrow spirit. We hope the new party will include all shades of political thought, except those who are opposed to the maintenance of constitutional government, and will bring into, active co-operation those who desire real progress on sound constitutional lines.”

MR. COATES’ REPLY. WELLINGTON. July 13In reply to Mr M’ilford’s declaration the Him. J. G. Coates makes the billowing announcement: ‘"'l lie 1 wader of the Opposition who has recently been in communication with me has not apparently deemed it necessary to consult me regarding this latest development in the relations of the two dominant political parties in this community May [ sav, with all sincerity, that I look forward to seeking a mandate from the people of New Zealand when the election takes place. I. as leader of the Government, will then ask the support .of those who are in favour of a progressive and National polity, which I have already, in the House anil out of it. set as the objective of the Government and which will ensuie equal opportunities for all sections of our community. At first glance this move on the part of the Liberal Party savours of an attempt to steal the thunder of the Prime Minister. It seems to me that it is an illustration of the old adage that imitation is the sincerest- form of flattery. The Leader of the Opposition has been anticipated by niv own declaration of faith, which is nationalism in its broadest sense and purpose. There is neither room nor need for two National parties in the Dominion.