REFORM PARTY.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 July 1926, Page 1

REFORM PARTY.

A CONFLUENCE OPENED. BY TELECUAPH PRESS ASSN., COPYRIGHT. WELLINGTON, July 14. At the Reform Party’s conference to-day, Air Coates opened tho proceedings. In the course of an address, Air Coates, who met with a rousing reception, in welcoming the delegates, expressed his keen appreciation of their efforts and those of hosts of workers and supporters who had helped to make the last election such a sweeping triumph for their Reform Party. This conference, he said, had been called to enable them to improve, and if possible, protect their organisation. lie gave summarised history of the Reform Party, which, be said, took practical shape under that name some years ago. “Up to the present time, the party,” Air Coates said in conclusion, “has a good cause, a sound policy, and a record of which we may well be proud of. Our legislation lias been progressive and helpful to all classes of the community. We- can claim that, on the humanitarian side, »o have cared for the people to an extent no other Government had done. We stand for the freehold, and for the doctrine of equal opportunity for all our citizens. Above everything we giv© place to none in loyalty, and patriotism to our King and Country, and in upholding the constitution against attacks, insidious and otherwise, of those who seek to bring about disntegratinn of our Empire. fApplause). At the close of Air Coates’

address. the Conference went into committee, received the reports of the Dominion Secretary and tlie organisers. Tho Conference then proceeded to consideration of the draft constitution and rules submitted for consideration of delegates. Several committees were set up,