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Hokitika Guardian, 19 April 1926, Page 2

The Prime Minister naturally drew the obvious conclusions as regards vote splitting in the Eden election, but that was a foregone conclusion from the outset- when the lady in the case with i.t good deal of determination (not singular with the sex) set about fighting for the seat. Her cause was hopeless from the outset, hut the lady persevered to the bitter end. There is one aspect of the incident which is probably of more concern to the Prune Minister than the vote-splitting. That is the suggested split in the party organisation itself. Mr Coates has a bumper majority behind him, hut disintegration is more likely where num-

bers arc concerned than with a faithful few. The fact that Miss Melville was assisted actively by two members of Parliament—Messrs Harris aiid Potter—themselves “good’' Reformers as far as tl\eir political label goes, is an indication that the organisation of the party is being flouted. Feeling is sure to manifest itself over the incident, and if later there may bo some explanations demanded in the caucus room, the cleavage might become more open. Sir James Gutlson was not a good Reformer always. He opposed Mr Potter (Reform) as an Independent, and Mr Potter has recollections of that fray, no doubt, which prompted him on this occasion to do what he could for Miss Melville, perhaps not so much in the hope of success for the lady, as to defeat a candidate who had changed his political coat. There was no doubt a good deal of feeling imported into the matter, oi' Mr Coates could have called off Messrs Potter and Harris. That he failed to do so and also failed to mollify Miss Melville, indicates a rift in the party which may have some important results in the future. On this occasion Mr Coates did not get things done his own way, and to that extent his prestige suffers at the loss of political p r.. CIV