THE NEW POLITICAL PARTY.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 November 1923, Page 2

THE NEW POLITICAL PARTY.

MR W. I). HUNT DISCLAIMS. fBY TELEGRAPH —I’Jill TRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON. NV.v. 20. The persistence of the story of a new political party, and the frequent mention of his name in connection with the movement, impelled Mr W. D. Hunt to-day to make a statement, to a reporter on the subject. When the story first appeared in the newspapers he had assumed it was intended merely for the diversion of the public during the off season in polities. He lmd declined to he interviewed on the matter lieeausc he thought no one was taking it seriously, hut the constant (low of inquiries as to his own political intentions had satisfied him at last that Lv would'not he presumptuous in disclaiming all knowledge of the movement.

He had never heard or dreamed ol the new party till lie saw the story ill the papers. The mention ol his own name in the story may have caused him some passing annoyance, hut nothing more. lie had neither the time nor the inclination for a

political career, and neither the temperament nor the qualifications. He tried, as most other business men did. to assist to the best ol his ability ill promoting the well,am of the community. and such knowledge of public affairs as lie posses-ed always was at its disnoal. But it would he impossible fot him to enter Parliament, even if a constituency were agreeable p, hU doing so. and lie did not wi.-h l/i meddle in any way with party politics or party intrigues. Pressed for his views in regard to the need for a new Party. Mr Hunt said lie spoke with no authority, but his personal impression was there alreadv was one party too nnrnv in the House of Representatives. The three partv system, if seemed to him. instead of increasing the opportunities and usefulness of the private member, rather lessened them, and clearly did not add to the consistency and efficiency of the administration. He did not share the fear that the restoration. of the two party system would bring irresponsible Labour into power. Doubtless, in the evolution of politics, a Labour Party, sooner or later, would have its turn, hut it would he a snno and loynl 1-ahour "Party, ploatieu tn constitutional methods and rcpicsentative of a majority composed of all the classes.