NATIONAL PARTY NEEDED.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, 18 May 1925, Page 4

NATIONAL PARTY NEEDED.

•——— MR ATMORE'S VIEWS. By Telegraph—Press Association. ' WELLINGTON, May 16. In a statement made to-day regarding the political. Situation, Mr H. Atmore, M.P. for Nelson, urged that party interests and personal claims to Ministerial 'office should be put aside in ordor to give free play to the national spirit. “Phrases did not win the war,” said Mr Atmore, "neither did manoeuvring for party advantages, and It is certain that party platitude j and generalities cahnbt s live the problems of peace. I believe that people are weary of petty party squabbles which obscure great' issues and blind people to the realities of the situation.

I The passing of the Prime Minister has removed the mo3t prominent figure.from Parliament, and left the Reform Party much weaker in con-, sequence, and with a full knowledge of the personal capacities of each member of. the House of Representatives I -Unhesitatingly assert "That hot any of .'ho existing parties singly can form that Government to give national service which the spirit"’6f the times requires, and to.' which the people are justly entitled. No mere fusion of names will do, and with my knowledge of the party system I am Sure that no one party will'agree to be absorbed by others. A new meeting ground must be. arranged, and a National Party must, be formed, not only in name but in spirit of service and true appreciation of the country's requirements.”