POLITICAL.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 September 1920, Page 4

POLITICAL.

(Per Press Association.)

BLENHEIM, 'September 23.

During the course ol'an interview with a ( u “Express” 5 reporter, Mr R. McCollum, the member for Wairau, made a statement of his views on tho political situation. Ho said: “For years past in this country a gradual obliteration and convergence of political party lines lias been conspicuously noticeable. The war, by forcing upon all parties a subordinating influence (taking shape in the National Government). Tilts .subordinating of thirty interests to National'and Impora.il welfare had accentuated and hurried on this process of union and co-operation of both the old parties for over four years, and the results of the last general election have now produced a new and unprecedented situation in our Parliamentary history. The old dividing lines of Conservative and Liberal have disappeared, or have so merged and converged as to leave it somewhat difficult to discover distinguishing party principles. The disappearance of sir Joseph Ward (temporarily or otherwise) from New Zealand politics lias still further promoted this situation, as it has left no one with the outstanding ability and the. authority which he possessed to declare the policy of the Liberal Party. It would be idle , to deny that, apart from any question of numbers, tho old solidarity of the Liberal Party has gone. lam not alone among those who followed Sir Joseph Ward and the late Mr MacDonald, in finding that I cannot accept Mr Wilford ns my leader. I do not propose to enter into itiy reasons for this conclusion as these might be regarded as more or less invidious; but the impossibility of his holding the Party seems to me beyond question. In such a situation, I find it due to my constituents and inyelf to define my position in the House to-day. I stand for political principle, but I have no political leader and these principles I shall endeavour to support and promote irrespective of party, until a [on dor arrives 6r emerges who, in my judgment is qualified for and politically worthy' of- the Liberal leadership—if indeed the Liberal Party is to survive.” Mr McCallum concludes by giving a programme of what lie considers is required in these times. He finishes: “In this short programme there is great work for the Government to do, and to the best of my ability, if the Government is willing I am out to help them, irrespective of party.”

MR WILFORD’S COMMENT.

WELLINGTON, Sept. 24

.Commenting on Mr McCollum's telegraphed statement, Mr Wilford said Messrs Witty and McCallum left tho party now led by me on 7tli September. They informed me they could not follow mo as Leader. Later on, Mr Witty stated publicly in Parliament that ho was not working under my leadership. Mr McCallum has now made bis position plain. The whole incident has been clean and straightforward above board.