THE NEW POLITICAL PARTY.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17105, 29 March 1921, Page 6

THE NEW POLITICAL PARTY.

STATEMENT BY MB C. E. STATHAM. (special to "the press.'') * DTJNEDIN, March Interviewed to-day, Mr 0. & Statham, M.P., said he had telegraphed accepting the position of national president of the National Progressive and Moderate Labour Party. He had done sb because ho believed thut the new party was one which might truly bo termed a Young New Zealand Party, and one which would bo representative of the whole of that great loyal section of the community which stood between extreme Conservatism on the one naml and Revolutionary Socialism, on we other. The aims and aspirations or loyal Labour would find expression through the new party, whose platform would be broad, based on the principles of justice, humanity, and brotherhood. The movement to form the party 'had received most gratifying encouragement in the north, added Mr Statham, and he had good reason to' telieve that it would find willing and enthusiastic supporters throughout the wiholo Dominion. Naturally, attempts would be mode ry political opponents to belittle the movement, but he could say definitely, that the new organisation meant business, and had come to stay. Although Mr Statham could not give much information at tlhe present juncture, he could give the assurance that the new party would stand for sound and sane finance, the development of the country', the encouragement of primary and secondary industries and commerce, and the cessation or that irritating and indeterminate jnlicy which •had so harassed business men during recent years. Ho hoped that the new party would succeed m bringing about a new era of industrial peace, nnd a period of progress and prosperity that would be enjoyed not by a tew but. by every section of the community. Above all, the new party was out to lend a helping hand to those least able to help themselves, and to restore New Zealand to the proud position ehe hadl once occupied in leading the world in progressive legislation.