WELLINGTON TOPICS

Hokitika Guardian, 24 August 1931, Page 2

WELLINGTON TOPICS

NATIONAL GOVERNMENT. OPPOSITION REJECTS PROPOSAL. (Special Correspondent). , WELLINGTON, August 19. ■ No one moving in political circles will have surprised yesterday by the refusal of the Leader of the .Opposition . to accept the proposal of the Prime;Min ster for the-formation of a National Cabinet. .It is now three or four months since Mr Forbes offered on behalf of himself and his colleagues to meet Mr Coates with a View to reconstructing the; Ministry upon a basis which, as far as possible, would bring the various sections of the House of Representatives together in harmony and goodwill. It seemed for a week or two that Mr Coates and his advisers in and out of Parliament, were not unfavourably disposed towards the suggestion ; but at thp end of a month or so they discovered there were obstacles in the way. Yesterday, after a. prole nger contemplation of the situation, Mr Coates announced, in effect, that he and his party thought it best to go to the polls untrammelled by any unfamiliar alliance.

FOR NATIONAL GOVERNMENT Tho “Evening Post,” which has stood out resolutely for a National Goyeminent during the existing prisia, makes light of the contentions of the Leadey of the Opposition, “New phrases have been turned to convey a deep regard for'the national interest and a. keen concern for the rights of the electors,” it says, “but when these fine phrases are considered it is '; clearly seen that the concern is the same as be-fore—-a concern that the electorg shall haiye the opporunity of putting Reform in office.” The “Post’, does not expect such a development, but it indicates some of- itg possible fruits. .“If Mr Coetes after the election leads a minority party which is the; strongest in the House,” it says, “he will-be compelled to seek the 'aid rpf United in carrying .out a.policy eseentiaj'y i-mir liar to that propounded by the present Government.” What would he say.'of the inherent weaknesses of omalgomatr ion then? Obviously his' last state would be worse than his first. ; ;; FOR THE PARTY. The “Dominion” does-not elevate its allusion to the dismissal of- the Prime Misister’s- suggestion of a National Government to thq dignity of a-leading article. It .consigns it' to its ‘Notes,” than -the .daily weather .forecast. “It is useless,” it' says “to- -pretend- that fusion i 9 ;a • present .a live political issue. .... . Mr Coates' yep’y .to the

original suggestion, set th© public thinking on he practical difficulties, for people ha,ve .often seen what in the courtship stage apearsd to be an ideal uni On turn out as' a maetrimonial fail*ur'e. : . . People • saw • the. Government’s immediate, difficulties -were' being met by the Opposition Leader’s helpful attitude'. That is serving quite well and those who are pressing for more harm than good.” The morning paper’s raillery is quite permissible in the circumstances, .even down to the Opposition Leader’s “helpful attitude,” but it~ would be well to- remember that' it is temporary National Government not permanent fusion that is required.

THE PRIME MINISTER. As for Mr Forbes he is casting no reproaches upon the Leader of the Opposition for having -‘‘turned down” his suggesting for the formation of a National Government to see the country through the difficulties it is sharing wi h the re’3t of the. Empire at the present time. He say’s smilingly that he thinks Mr - Coates has, ‘‘chosen the better part” for the time being. “It was my friends'good luck to have an overwhelming majoity at his during his term of office, prosperous times and a clear field,” the' Prime Minister recalled as if he were congratulating a personal friend. “When he gets baric' to all these "luxuries again,” he added with a comprehensive wave of his'handindicating the treasures of a Minister s retreat, “he will find his job much more onerous than it was a few years ago.”* - Speaking more seriously, Mr Forbes said, he was not the pessimist pome of critics made his out to be, but he regarded it as his duty to let the public know where it stood.