THE LIBERAL LEADER

Hokitika Guardian, 13 August 1925, Page 4

THE LIBERAL LEADER

t Lyttelton Times.) Both his friends and foes in politics will regret to hear that M.r Wilford’s state of health is such that he may feel it necessary to apply for leave of absence from Parliament and relegate the task of leadership of the National Party ill the House to one of his .lieutenants. The last law weeks have boon very anxious one for Mr Wiltord, and the strain has been considerable. In response to what lie believed, and what we know, to he the desire of that very considerable section of the public which does not associate itself with extremes in politics, he sought to bring about a fusion of the Liberal and Reform forces in Parliament, thus ending the three-party situation that at present renders majority government and a progressive political policy alike impossible. The time seemed opportune. The Reformers had lost their old leader and elected a new one, a young mail and a. New Zealander. not a political bigot or a doctrinaire. The Reform Party stood at the crossroads. They could continue along their old path, as a purely agrarian party, vauillating between syndicalism and high Toryism according to the blowing of the winds, or they eou’d admit the Liberals to their councils, accept a leavening of Liberalism in their policy, and go forward along a new road with the sympathy and co-operation of all save the Socialists. the Communists and the die-hard Conservatives. It is characteristic of Mr Wiltord that in extending to Mr Coates the finest opportunity that was ever put within the grasp of a political leader in this country—one that might well have assured the member for Knipara a record term as Prime Minister—he effaced himself from the situation and specially disclaimed any intention of taking a portfolio. The Liberal representatives in the negotiations that ensued, taking their policy from their leader, allowed no personal interests oil their side to bar the way to an agreement. Everything that they could in honour concede' to the other side was conceded. The Reformers on their part entered in to the conference well knowing it to be a solemn farce, sinee certain powerful elements in the party had no intention of permitting an amalgamation. Finally the Liberals were told that if they wanted to join the Reform Party individually they could apply for admission : that a fusion of the parties was not practicable. and that the arrangements for the elections could not he disturbed on any account. The announcement, was made by the Reform Press the occasion for a fusillade of abuse directed at the Liberals on the ground that their unreasonable demands for portfolios and preferment had caused the failure of fusion negotiations. Mr IVilford took the only possible course in the circumstances. He went ahead and formed a National Party, leaving those who do not believe a National Party is necessary or desirable to oppose it and state their reasons why. We are sorry that on the eve of the battle his health should have broken down, and tve hope that a short rest will enable Him to re- | enter the lists to fight on behalf of , sane political principles. t