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Hokitika Guardian, 6 February 1925, Page 2

The Wellington correspondent of this paper suggested in Wednesday’s issue that the Reform party was seeking a new name for its next appeal to the people. Jt has been known already I its generic name —Conservatives; but that did not suit, and it changed t, the Xatio'mj Associating. That was equally unsuitable for its playful opponents contracted the title to the “National Ass”, and much fun was posed at the party. Then came the name Reform under which the party lias had its greatest luck. It was a misnomer, for reforms, as such, are conspicuous by their absence. Still, the party wants the change, and already an influential section is calling itself the Country Party, while we hear also of Farmer Party candidates. The main party itself i.s tottering to the end of its present run of luck, and is anxious for something to happen in the way of a fusion to give it fresh political life. A Unionist party is spoken of, whereof the members will be l nionists, (as in the Old Land where Conservatives are now chiefly Unionists). In all this change and desire for change, it is at least interesting to know that the Liberals are not ashamed of their name and title, and adhere strictly to it. It serves well, for it bespeaks the political freedom its name implies, and as such will stand always in favor. The Liberal stalwarts are taking heart of g r race jr.st now, realising that the turn of the tide for the party is at hand, a fact which will he demonstrated clearly if all those of Liberal tendencies vote at their party’s call when the opportunity offers.

Apropos to the political situation in 7 Zealand, which continues to receive a good deal of attention just now in the public press. Mi' W. A. Veiteh, M.P., who has undertaken the work of general organiser for the Liberal-Labour Party throughout the Dominion, returned, says the “Lyttelton Times”, t Christchurch on Monday night after a visit to Tenmka, Dunedin and Ashburton. Mr Veiteh said that he was only able to pay a flying visit to each place, but, as far as he could judge from tin trend of public opinion, the Government was losing ground rapidly, especially in the country districts. This was largely due to the fact that the general public were beginning to realise that the trusts and great banking institutions exerted a powerful influ-

cnee with the Government which was against the best interests of the community as a whole. In the Temuka electorate a good candidate was already assured, hut a final announcement would not be made until a meeting of representatives delegates from the whole electorate had been held. The position in the Ashburton clecto rate was satisfactory from the point of view of public opinion and party organisation. In Dunedin a good Jive central committee was functioning well and was in close touch with the different electorates in and around the city. He had not had much time to go into matters connected with the party inChristchurch, hut so far he was quite satisfied with the position and the general trend of public opinion. From Wellington comes a report in a similar strain, and it is dear that the Liberal Party will be something to reckon with when general election time comes round. It is the party of greatest promise, and its record in the past is guarantee that what it promises it has the ability to perform. The indications seem to point clearly to ti fact becoming more and more patent that the time is not far removed now when the Liberals will come into tkeiown.