MR. ATMORE'S POSITION.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1450, 27 May 1912, Page 4

MR. ATMORE'S POSITION.

REPLY TO MR. MASSEY. (By Telesfrasfc—Press Apnociatlcn.l „ Nolson, Mar 26. Witn reference to Mr. Mnssey's slatement at Auckland regarding tho position of tho member for Nelson and interviews Mtweon them, Sir. Atmore, M.P.. has handed a lengthy reply to the "Colonial." l.e says his position needs no justification, lie stood as an Independent, and unpledged to Sir Joseph Ward or Mr. Massey. The latter, he says, 'either dolmerately or through loss of memory, has misrepresented what occurred in bis room at. Parliamentary Buildings. Tho Opposition organiser interviewed him at Nelson, and asked how lie would vote on a no-coiifidenee motion. He replied that lie would require to bo shown reasons why the Government should bo deposed. Ho would vote on the merits of each question, but would support a freehold motion'. After the election lie saw Jfr. Massey at the toiler's request, and asked him what ho would bo prepared lo do for Nelson's requirements. He expressed himself favourable to tho prosecution of the railway to Murohison, a grant for tho Recreation Ground, and other matters. Jfr. Massey showed him .several drafts of no-confidence motions, including the 1 one subsequently defeated. Mr. Atmore suggested that lie should make the division on tho freehold question. Mr. Massey replied that ho would not do so, as ho wished to caieh the Labour votes, and (heir platform was leasehold. In reply to a question, ho said tho motion would most decidedly be supported by arguments showing why tho Government should bo unseated. Mr. Atmoro said if reasons wero not shown, he would vote for the Government on ifho understanding that tho party was reformed from within. "When leaving," Mr. Atmoro continues, "I said: 'You under- . stand lam not pledging myself, but will , vote on the merits of the question.' Mr. Massey said ho fully understood.'' Jfr. Atmore said so far ns abusing Mr. Massey > was concerned, lie said ho considered him ] privately a strictly honest man, but r.s a I political leader, hopelessly incompetent. His whole career had Wn one of blunder and apologies. He predicted that in Iwolvo months Jfr. Massey would not bo leader of the Reform party, which had abler ' men. Jfr. Atmore added that lie was ] prepared to meet Mr. Massey on the plat- ' form at any time. ! Mr. Atmoro addressed an open-air me!>t- ) ing last night, in reply to Mr. Massey, 1 speaking on tho above lines. ' * ■—'±r l,