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Hokitika Guardian, 7 November 1927, Page 2

The secret about the new political party continues to be well kept, although a Minister of the Crown professes to know all that is going on behind closed doors and sealed lips. The October Conference has gone by but the Organiser is still keeping his knowledge to himself, though possible political events are supposed to stirring outside Parliamentary circles. Following the recent conference of the organisation which is endeavouring to bring together all groups unfavourable to the present administration, comes the news that influential commercial men are independently moving to concentrate their forces on the political situation, particularly with a view to bringing out candidates with proved administrative ability and a definite policy of “less Government in business.” Some public developments aTe expected within a few weeks. Inquiries in Parliamentary circles show that there is ft tendency apiong Opposition

members, more or less interested m the movement, which culminated m the recent Dominion conference, to adopt a non-iommittal attitude of waiting to see the real extent of its inituenee. It is admitted that twenty or so Reform and Opposition members wlm were supposed to show practical interest in the new movement gave no countenance to the conference, nor did the twenty delegates (who included three former Parliamentary.candidates and one ex-member of the House) receive any further information regarding expected reinforcements from inside Parliament. However, there is sufficient indication of growing opposition influence, which, it if can be focussed under attractive leadership, will ultimately give serious anxiety to the Government party. 'lhe mystcij may be said to be deepening. There is no’ doubt if the Opposition is to achieve anything, it can be done onlj |,v a concentration of lories. But there is the initial trouble about a leader The strength of the Reform position can hardly be assailed with any holies of early success unless some magnetic leader is found to draw followers to 1 him. Probably it is this very initial difficulty, which causes the mystery to he maintained. Allien the man arrhos the occasion for secrecy "ill have jtnimed. so we must await the man to arrive rather than the hour to strike.