The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1931. WHY FUSION?

Hokitika Guardian, 21 April 1931, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1931. WHY FUSION?

fti’l'iCtAi, attention is being directed Lo the question ol a fusion of parties as between tile United and Reform sections in Parliament. The situation has been brought to a definite point by tlq, presentation ol petitions uruu set t ions ol the business community in Wellington, to the respective leaders ol the two parties. A Wellington correspondent remarks that the movement is not a new one, but has been crystallised during the past week or two by the circulation among administrative business men of this petition, the prayer of which is for unity among the moderate political schools of thought in Parliament, with a view to resisting Labour’s onslaught at the general election later in urn year. It is nor intended that the merit, of the petition shall be reflected merely by the numbers of its signatories. An attempt lias been made to induce the support of men who represent in the truest sense of the word the business community. The heads of large mercantile firms, some of which- have their head omces outside the Dominion, have been approached, and many have attached their signature. Some of them, believing that the retention of the party system in the House- is the- best ultimately for the Dominion j have refused t.o sign, preferring to await the spin of its political wheel when tho time comes for ail appeal to the country towards the end of the current year. This review of the question gives a general idea, no doubt, of the national feeling; but if there is any call for fusion it seems to be now when the finances are so depleted, not to say involved. A fusion of parties-—all parties in fact is really necessary to set the country on its feet financially. There is the need for a Grand Committee on Finance to take charge of the general situation, and the host brains in Parliament, irrespective of parties, should be on that Committee. The need for a fusion of this nature is emphasised by the fact, that no sooner does the Government courageously bring down a sweeping policy, than there is an outcry from every section touched by the proposals. The unfortunate part i.s that the Government is not strong enough within its own ranks to force the policy through. At one stage it had to lean on the Labour party; at another it leans on the- Reform party, and help front either is only secured on a basis of compromise, which destroys the original intention of the proposals. Fusion is necessary for stability * of policy in regard to recuperating financial proposals, to give confidence to the business world at this time of difficulty with regard to the prospects of trading. There is the- necessity for a close overhaul of the public expenditure to save waste; economy in prospective proposals and undertakings is most essential; and in particular, taxation should be adjusted rather than raised to permit of more free money for enterprise. That seems to be the crux oi the general position to-day, and it is for that reason that a union of parties is desirable. As to the next general election, the votes of the people are to settle that. There is a fear in many quarters of Labour gaining ground, probably because its promises will he as extravagont as its posing in Parliament during the recent session of Parliament. Despite what is being revealed in regard to the financial posi tion of the country. Labour is still bent on restoring “cuts” and other actions by Government to enable the country to meet its monthly obligation-.. Such promises are grossly extravagant, and can delude only the sinuot* who do not regard the state of ths country in any relation to the world economic situation. New Zealand lias to face the same set of disturbing trade and financial cimwi-stanr-.es as other countries. None may be extravagant; all must be economical. not to say cheese-paring. Fusion to assist in that direction is what is needed now and all parties genuinely impressed with the state of the country and the one remedy to help it. can assist with the enforcement of strict economy in the public administration, and a sane and sensible view ol political measures working to the same end. Just as in the war period, su

now no less is needed as urgently, a national form of gciy-ra! government tor the security and good of the whole.