LIBERAL PARTY

Hokitika Guardian, 11 March 1927, Page 3

LIBERAL PARTY

A REVIVAL EFFORT WELLINGTON, March 0. The .State lum boon in honour ol Ihe Duke and Duchess of York drew to Wellington the largest assemblage of legislators likely to take place before the session opens, and as a result there were some interesting political developments among the Nationalists which probably will come closer to the surface as time goes on.

II is an ripen secret that in Auckland district followers of the old BiehiTil Party strong dissented from the National Party’s decision to drop the old Liberal title. This section retained the old name and maintained its

The concentration of legislators in Wellington this week gave an opportunity for Auckland Liberals to approach National Party members with The object of reviving the old name of Liberalism and commencing a vigorous campaign throughout New Zealand.

ft. is suggested that there is a strong body of Opposition sentiment prevailing. with which the National Pally has failed to associate it-ell. and that if action were taken immediately there would be a great revival ol opposition to the Government, but. lacking a lead from the National Party, there is a likelihood of the opportunity disappearing as those concerned would not lend their influence to the official Labour Onnosition.

The northern urometers of the new movement are said to he anxious to place themselves under the leadership of Sir Joseph War cl, the only official Liberal in Parliament, while Mr Vcitch member for Wanganui, who is prominent as an Oppositionist and has been a vigorous critic of dairy control, L also spoken of as the now' Liberal leader. It appears likely that if Sir Joseph Ward declines to resume the cares of party leadership Mr Vcitch ■would be the choice of reviewing Liberalism. As far as can bo ascertained Auckland participators in ihe effort to revert to the Liberal title were disappointed over the National Party's reception of their plans. This leaves the situation uncertain hut so disturbed that developments are sure to occur when the session opens. TYRES FOR NEW ZEALAND. The 158.000 motor vehicles in the Dominion require nearly JCI.OOO.CT3 worth of tyres |V;r replacements t b year. The United Kingdom and ( £mida supply more than halt Lbe demand. Following are details of the tyres imported into New Zealand during 1926: United Kingdom 251,614 Canada 396,622 United States 150.359 T-'ninee 09.913 Italy 23.331 Belgium 3.956 Germany 1 833 Australia 1.320 928,348