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Hokitika Guardian, 28 November 1930, Page 4

Tup prospects of political fusion between the United and Reform parties have been revived by the published ista.tciinent of Mr. Coates and the rejoinder by Mr Ransom, notwithstanding the antagonism publicly expressed by Mr A. I). McLeod. The last nanted may he considered one of the old Toiry school, and his opposition is prompted by inherent prejudice! rather than a judicial policy for the country at large. Prominent Reform papers which are in the majority so far as the newspaper world of the Dominion is concerned, rather denary Mir McLeod’s «atti<tude. while the Wellington “Post,’’ which claims to be politically independent hap hopes of a real fusion. There have been some ripe opportunities in the past for an association of parties, but invariably Reform has been the stumbling block. Even, when there was a national government over the war period, its usefulness was not Continued .because of the inhide opposition from Reform. That of course would have been on admirable time to create u stable political party, but the drift whjch has since gone on, has made the confusion of parties worse comP/onndj'xl. A very serious .financial position has to lie faced now. Despite the hopes and expectations the broad fact remainjs that the primary products are not in demand nor at a price to ensure any degree of real prosperity. Wool prices have sagged seriously, while the drop in butler prices is inexplicable. The financial outlook is one for serious concern. The seven points of policy put forward by Mr Coates take in that condition of affairs, and Air Ransom has undertaken to discuss the points. As a party, the Uniteds are not likely to do anything definite prior to Mr Forbes’ early return, but it is clear that public interests call for serious consideration of the position. Heretofore. the United Government has held office by grace of the Labour party which ban attempted to call the tune. The Government however lies’ been firm in the carrying through of its own programme, and has tackled the financial problem with considerable courage. Tt is manifest that were it. indenendent of outside party support, a bolder policy could have been taken', but all its efforts have been along sane lines and in keeping with public pledges. The United party has made good and has a fair hold in influential quarters. The latest bye-e]ections indicated that its policy was finding general favours. There was a great tilt in a Reform stronghold when the United party won the Wftip&wn seat, anil Unit result must have impressed Reform with the growing strength of the Uniteds. Whether j the two parties will be disposed to go on wasting the strength of each other in these campaigns is for the leaders of the parties to say in the first instance. Rut it is clear |h.at while carrying on these vendettas. Labour lias a growing;, rather than a wanin' interest, flow far this can be good for the public weal, is for the electors to ponder over, hart the plight of other countriep under Labour rule and management might well be studied seriously in the interval.