UNITED PARTY

Hokitika Guardian, 9 October 1929, Page 5

UNITED PARTY

MR DAVEY REPLIES. [By Telegraph, Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, October 9.

With regard to the statement yesterday signed by ‘three members of the executive of the United Party in connection with Mr Davey’s controversy with four Labour members on the subject of unemployment, Mr Davey replies publicly to-day. saying the views expressed were his own and that the matter had not been before the Executive he absolves the Executive from responsibility. He flatly denies “ a meeting of the Executive will be held shortly to deal with the matter.” Messrs McGrath, Longeron, and Perry are not the Executive. They are in a minority on the Executive, he says, and have not even authority to call a meeting. Mr Davey goes on to discount their value to the party. They were not concerned with the risks he took prior to the elections. They appeared willing that he should shoulder all the burdens provided they took no chances and gained the major share of the fruits of victory. It was significant that a majority of the Executive made no mention of the matter to him and had since approached and assured him they had nothing to do with the statement. There would not be a meeting of the Executive until the usual monthly meeting took place. The facts of the case were that a certain timid lion, gentleman chose the three gentlemen named and endeavoured to ure them as a shield against the wrath of Labour.