FUSION OFFER

Hokitika Guardian, 26 June 1931, Page 2

FUSION OFFER

DISCUSSION BY REFORM CAUCUS.

WELLINGTON, June 24

A denial that lie had again declined to agree to suggestions for fusion was given in emphatic terms by the leader of the Opposition (the lit. Hon, J. G. Coates) to-night. A communication containing the memorandum urging fusion and signed by Auckland professional and business men was received by Mr Coates to-day, and lie said to-night that when approached earlier in the day lie bad been made to say that his reply would be on the same lines as the answer lie had given to the petition forwarded to the Leaders of the two Parties some time ago by Wellington business men. Mr Coates said it appeared that his reply had been anticipated. He made no comment other than to say that the memorandum would receive onriCul consideration, and that a reply would he given in due course, probably in a dav or two.

The National Parly suggestion was considered by the Reform Caucus today blit the discussion was inconclusive, When interviewed afterwards, Mr Coates said lie admitted that the proposal for a National Government was a worthy one, but, as he had intimated before, his Party was willing to afford the Government assistance in the House.