THE NEW PARTY

Hokitika Guardian, 19 October 1927, Page 1

THE NEW PARTY

BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSN., COPYRIGHT. WELLINGTON, Oct. 18. " Mere fudge,” is the description applied by the Hon. A. I). McLeod, Chairman of the Koiorm Political Organisation, to the declaration that members of the Government Party in Parliament were about to thro v tu their lot with the United N.Z. Political Organisation.

Asked to-day whether he had any comments to make with respect to the recent statements in the press regarding the formation and supposed growth of a new political party under the guidance of Mr Dave.v. the late organiser for the Reform Party. Mr McLeod stated that he did not think the propagti. da referred to called tor any special notice from him.

“ l may state, however, ’ added the Minister, “that the reference to tenor is it twenty ! J —Reform xupportois in Parliament being ready ami anxious to desert to the renegade stand;'.:.l the moment it is set up, is mere Bulge. I have had considerable experience in politeial matters for a number ol years, and I have never known of a Party with a majority such as Return) is holding at the present time display to its leader the same high degree ol loyalty as the present Reform supporters are showing to the Prime Minister.”

“ 1 have in my possession,” continued the Minister, “what I believe to he a fairly correct list of those who have attended Mr Davey’s several meetings; and also the names of those who have taken anything approaching a prominent- part in the movement. Very few of the number can he claimed as deserters from the Reform banner, although I admit that several have supported our candidates lor the past two or three elections.” “ In the main, however,” concluded Mr McLeod, “ they are ex-I.ihcrals, or they belong to a group of individuals who, tor reasons which are personal, rather than altrustic, have no abiding place politically, and who, like the lions of Biblical history, move up and down the land seeking whom they may devour!”