THE LIBERALS

Hokitika Guardian, 6 August 1927, Page 1

THE LIBERALS

NEGOTIATIONS PROCEEDING. WELLINGTON. Aug. 3. The new Liberals have been in close conference in Wellington during the past two days, delegates, according to an official statement issued to-night, being present from every provincial district in the Dominion. Among the delegates were ex-members of Parliament who contested the last election under the Nationalist banner.

The report says that advice from the various district organisations was to the effect that the Party membership was steadily growing. A constitution was drafted and adopted by the conference, which also made arrangements to buii'd up the district executives, and to co-ordinate the work of the branches through a central executive with headquarters in Wellington. Schemes for further constructive work and propaganda were formulated, which, it was held, would give an added stimulus to the work of the branch organisations. Commenting on the conference, Mr. Veiteh said the response was greater than he had anticipated, and the unanimity of opinion on the items discussed indicated that the expected universal return to Liberalism was fully justified. He had never attended a more earnest gathering, or one where there had been displayed such enthusiasm, and a sense of responsibility. He was quite sure that the revived Liberal Party must now be reckoned with as a potent force in the political life of the Dominion. Mr Forbes banded the following statement to the Press fo-night: “ Several conferences have taken place between the Nationalist Party and the Liberal Party, and negotiations are proceeding for a reunion of the forces.” Interviewed. Mr Forbes declined to amplify the official announcement, and could give no indication as to when a more definite announcement as to the results could be made. He bad no comment to pass on the conference of the Liberal interests which has been held. He added, however, mat the next conference would probably produce tangible results.