THE COALITION SUGGESTION

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 137, 1 December 1911, Page 5

THE COALITION SUGGESTION

THAT LETTER. REMARKS BY THE PRJME MINISTER. During his flying visit to Wellington last evening, Sir Joseph Ward fulfilled iris undertaking to maike public a letter relating to the suggestion 'made some three years ago that there shbulil be a coalition between the Governine-ni ~>i<l the Opposition'. The letter is as f-nj «. Tomoansi, Hawkes Bay, N.Z. October 13, 1011. Dear Sir Joseph,—Ae one of my iguidiing starß through life has been fair play, I think, in view of the discussion in the House a week or two back, it is only fair that I should' record what I know. Prior to the last general election, I attended my first and last political meeting. (Opposition.) I was very strong at the time in the belief that the very thing for the country would be a co'alition, and I boldly made the proposition, which was replied to by a very pronounced Oppositionist, as follows-. "How can we? Ward- has made no advances.". It was replied, "HW is he likely to, when he is on top!" Mr. r Massey would not even diseuss my proposal. Now, the last four lines of above seem to settle two points— Ward had made no adwnces, and Massey dedined to discuss it at a U meeting of his own supporters. Thus ;it was clear he was not in fa voir of it.—l am, sincerely yours, W. NELSON, in handing the letter to the press, the Prime Minister said that it was quit© unsolicited, as he had had no communication with Mr. Nelson, in the matter. He wished to assert once more that he never made any offer of a coalition, and no man coulid have, made such .an offer from the Government side, except himself. • r