"SOLID AS A ROCK."

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 45, 22 February 1930, Page 10

"SOLID AS A ROCK."

MEMBERS WHO SECEDED

DEPARTURE NOT REGRETTED

(By Telegraph.)

(Special to "The Evening Post.")

CHBISTCHUKCH, This Day.

The United Party is as solid as . a lock, and the caucus was not in the least disturbed when *the three disgruntled members left the room," said Mr. B. W. Hawke, M.P. for, Kaiapoi, .this morning on his return from the caucua of the United Party.

Mr. Hawke said that no regrets were expressed at the departure of Messrs. H. B. Jenkins, J. S. Fletcher, and "W. J. Broadfoot. "These members," he said, "had been harmful to the party, and- it was the best thing that could happen that they should join the ranks of the Independents, where they rightly belonged." . When asked if there was any possibility .' of- further defections, Mr.

Hawko replied: "Never on your life. These chaps, were more or less disgruntled right from the start, and wo had a good deal of difficulty with them (luring the session. No one who has any respect for the party could feel happy while associated with them. It is a case of men young in public life showing their disappointment because they could not realise their ambitions. They all had aspirations for Cabinet rank, and because they did not get it they became disgruntled." Mr. Hawke added that there was not the slightest suggestion within the party of any desire to depose Sir Joseph Ward as leader. They had every confidence that ho would be restored to health and make his voice and talent felt in the House next session.