THE LIBERAL "FLYING SQUADRON."

Press, Volume L, Issue 14972, 20 May 1914, Page 10

THE LIBERAL "FLYING SQUADRON."

(SPKCIAI. TO ,J THB PUBS.")

WELLINGTON, May 19. Mr Massey states that he has ample evidence, both itom the Taranaki and Auckland districts, where the Liberal squadron has been "flying," that they were not taken seriously by the great majority of the people. In ono place, he was assured, tho onljr thing that was lacking was a plentiful supply -of burnt cork.

As to.- "converts ,, wbicli. it is alleged are being made by the "'flying squadron,' , JlrMassey states that on his travels ho has''Often been assured by people/who previously were on the other side ,of jjolitics, had. now come round' to the Government's way of thinking, and would support them at the next" election." ' One prominent Liberal had assured him that- he.ielt sure, from his own experience, that'he was only one of fifty thousand who ha*d voted against the Reform Party' at the. last election, but who would support them at the next.

Mr F. W. Shortland, a well-known member , of the legal profession, has, it is understood, decided to-contest* the Taumanurai seat at the approaching ejection. Mr Shortland is the author

of a numher of works on law, and is described as an "out-and-out Reformer." The sitting member is Mr C. &. Wilson, also a Government supporter.