THE NEW PARTY

Hokitika Guardian, 22 September 1927, Page 4

THE NEW PARTY

BR ANCH FORMED AT WELLINGTON'. ORGANISER OPTIMISTIC. WELLINGTON. Sept. 20. Mr A ■ E. Davy, Dominion organiser of the new political movement, reports that at a meeting held in Wellington last evening a strong branch was formed. The organiser described the meeting as “one of the host political meetings ho had ever attended, most enthusiastic, and thoroughly representative, comprising citizens of all shades of political opinion. The organiser states that, in opening the meeting, ho spoke of the growth and popularity of the movement in the Auckland province and outlined his plan for the Dominion organisation. Speaking of ihe welcome extended to him in Wellington, he said:—“lf it. is true familiarity breeds contempt, it will account, for the attitude of representative citizens of Wellington to the present Government, Perhaps those who live far away from the centre of government do not know the want of capacity which is all too apparent in the present Cabinet. Coming, ns I have, to the Empire City unknown and with only a few introductions. T expected that my task here would he difficult, while on the contrary I have been received and welcomed in a. manner which has astonished me. It is impossible to particularise any section of the people of this City which is chiefly antagonistic to the present Government, as all seem, if not willing to come into the' open for reasons which can be imagined, at least willing to substantially assist the movement with which I am connected. Financial assistance is to my mind a proof of the bona tides of the intentions of those desiring to link up, and as far as finance is concerned that end of the project is assured. “It is hard to say whether the recent attitude of the Government with regard to taxation proposals or their amendment of the tariff has produced the discontent which is only 100 apparent here, but the fact remains that as a result organising work with the objects which I have in mind becomes easy and fruitful in results. The financial condition of the country and the drifting, haphazard policy of the present Government have tended to build up the fives of discontent, while the long tenure of office and the apparent content with which public injustices are allowed to continue have developed a hostility which will become very apparent when concreted into action. “Various speakers, both Reform and Liberal, voiced their disapproval hist night of the legislation placed on the Statute Book by the Reform Party since the 1925 elections, and also their opinion that the 'Prime Minister had failed. It was generally felt, liv all present that the Socialistic legislation introduced by the Reform Party, which contained sops and compromises to the extreme Labour Party, has given, a, great impetus to the Red movement, and but for the advent, of the new Party would result in disaster to the country.

“A resolution forming a branch of the new Party was carried unanimously, an executive chosen, officers elected. and sub-committees set up. The headquarters of the movement will he in Wellington and offices will shortly he opened up. It- was decided to hold the next meeting of the Wellington Branch when the organiser returns from the South Island. At this meeting delegates will he chosen to attend the Dominion Conference to be held in Wellington on October 17th.” .Mr Davy further said that he had been asked over and over again who comprise the executive ol the Party. “My answer.” ho .states, “is that the Party is in the process of formation and when the final Dominion Executive is chosen it will he for that executive to determine what publicity it desires to give. As *■> its personnel. I have informed enquirers that the Reform Government, which has been in power for fifteen years, has not yet advertised or disclosed the personnel of its executive, though it functions nevertheless. May 1 say that as far as I have gone the executive ol the new Party measures up with that ol the Reform Party. f know them both. The new movement is not just an offshoot, of Reform or Liberal, hut is a- combination of the most progressive of both. The eager desire of former Liberals and Reformers to join us is most heartening.”

LIBERAL LEADER, ftrß JOSEPH WARD’S DENIAL. WELLINGTON, Sept. 20. Im the course of an address at Waiuku in support of Mr T. Parker, Liberal candidate for the ltaglan seat, Mr Hall Skelton/, of Auckland, is reported to have stated that arrangements are being made for the Right Hon. Sir Joseph Ward to take over the leadership of the Liberil Party. Interviewed to-day. Sir Joseph Ward denied that he was accepting the Liberal leadership. He stated that he had been approached by many people in different parts of the country urging him to place himself at the head of the Liberals again, but lie had declined these requests and it was not his intention to follow the course.