A POLITICAL RUMOR

Hokitika Guardian, 8 July 1924, Page 2

A POLITICAL RUMOR

("N.Z. Times.") It was whispered in political circles on Friday that till was not well within the ranks of the Labour group in Parliament. It was said that .Mr McCombs was not tit .all pleased with the party, and that he was about to discontinue occupying the same room as the other members of the party. It was said, also, that when .Mr McCombs, who is out of Wellington as presnt, went away the La hour Party declined the oiler of a pair for hint. Another part of the story was that Mr Jordan was somewhat, discontented, and that it mis possible that he eoltld not continue in general agreement with his colleagues. As Mr McCombs is not in Wellington, he could not lie referred to last evening, hut Mr Jordan was approached. He said lie was not aware of any di-cord. M.r Jordan admitted that some of the party took exception to his recent statement that there was no leader ill the I.ulmur Party. He* said he stueli to the statement, and proceeded : ‘ There is: no split in tue party. There is complete unanimity on matters of importance, though on minor matters members have their individual opinions. 1 said that oil matters of itelail I recognise no leader, and 1 will say that Mr Holland does not till the role of leader, hut of chairman of the Parliamentary Party, lie fills that position satisfactorily, in that before he speaks for the party he consults its mcmhci-.. "I certainly would not allow any man to make a statement committing the whole of the party unless I previously gave my consent. I represent Mnuukau, and I certainly will not hand that over to any man unconditionally, or to any body of men. In the Labour Party there is complete harmony in striving for the uplift of the great mass of people." Other members of the party also said there was no sniit in the parly, and that, if necessary a pair would be ask•d for for Mr MeComb-.