POLITICAL.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 May 1931, Page 5

POLITICAL.

HAURAKI BY-ELECTION. WELLINGTON. May 1. Mr Forbes stated this afternoon that' he will appreciate a reply from Mr Coates regarding the fusion offer before May 13, the date at which nominations for the Hauraki by-election close. The United Party so far has not taken any steps to select a candidate. REFORM JOURNAL’S VIEW. AUCKLAND, May 1. In the course of its third editorial on fusion, the “New Zealand Herald’’ says:—“There is scarcely need for a formal reply by the Reform Party to the Prime Minister's‘fusion proposals The explanatory statement issued by Mr Forbes on Wednesday evening disclosed the futility and barrenness of the invitation, and it will be surprising if the declaration of the Reform Party’s attitude is not a complete endorsement of the conclusions’ at which intelligent citizens will have already arrived.

“Mr Forbes contemplates the creation of a completely new party without a leader and without a policy. The United Party has no idea of wlmt the policy of the National Party should be, as Miv Forbes.says that it has made the gesture with empty hands. Such an invitation can have only one response from a party steadfast to principles and with justifiable pride that through successive generations it has subordinated party interest to national welfare.”