The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 1930. POLITICAL PARTIES.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 January 1930, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 1930. POLITICAL PARTIES.

The recent discussion in the public press of matters affecting the United Party, and the suggestion for a fusion between Reform and United, gave Mr Coates as the leader of the former, the opportunity of expressing his views on the subject. Hr Coates was not over cordial in his invitation to the CJniteds disposed to join up. He said in effect that if any member of the United Party, or any othfer Party, ielt that the interests of the country could be served best by the acceptance of the principles of Reform, he (Mr Coates) would welcome their support. That naturally goes without saying, but it does not suggest anything cordial about the reception, nor is it really an invitation to join up. Mr Coates makes it a condition to accept the principles of Reform, and if that is the whole substance of the offer, it is not an inviting one. The one reason for the formation of a strong political party is to combat the policy of socialism to which the Labour party is deeply committed. And Reform has not shown a genuine desire to combat even the Labour party. Jn the late Hutt election for instance. Reform enI tered the fray with a knowledge that it was directly helping the Labour candidate to victory. There have been other seats contested where the triangular contests had an equal trend, while even in straight out lights in some electorates, the Reform vote in the main was cast for Labour in preference to Liberal or United. This did not savour of the right attitude for true political principles. Tt is clear that the three party system favours Labour in the main, but Reform has been a long time in realising it. The Labour party lias assisted the

United Party while in office more than Reform has, but it is well-known that the Labour programme is not attractive to the United party. The trend towards isofcialism and the prevention I jf private/ ownerships and initiative. I tre far too revolutionary for the average elector as at present in being. The sane Labour legislation of other days for the amelioration of humanity and the strong strides made in that direction, did a great deal for the masses. The Liberals led (ip, 'that great work and achieved a notable record. The present platform of the United Party is in keeping with tiie past record, and the party is being led by one familiar with the achievements of the past, and one of the principal designers of thte political fabric. If there is to be any fusion of parties, a proved leader such as ,Ssr Joseph Ward, is the one most entitled to call the tune. He is the accredited leader of the hour, and naturally with the confidence of the people behind him, he must have the preference in any negotiations referring to fresh political alliances. Probably before the next general election something may happen along the lines referred to, but any arrangement calls for loyalty of action Too- often have we seen the lack of a' 1 common front when hghting the common enemy, and personal prejudices and preferences have outweighed the real interests of the occasion. Because of that there is not a great deal of faith in fusions. What is desired is the leader winning the confidence of the people who will mass behind him.