THE UNITED PARTY.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 January 1930, Page 6

THE UNITED PARTY.

MR DAVY REPLIES

TO SIR. JOSEPH WARD.

(By Telegraph—Press Association). AUCKLAND, Jan. 13.

Mr Davy in reply to Sir Joseph Ward says apart from his impossible defence of the accomplishments of tho United Party and his impertinent inuiendoes regarding myself, there is little substance in the Premier’s statement. Certainly nothing to shed any light on the attitude of Cabinet. Vague generalities by which the Prime Minister refers to the programme of the Party ar entirely misleading in view of the actual facts in each ease, as the veriest layman knows. It is remarkable to learn that Cabinet intended to deal with my salaried position in some .secret conclave. I may say that the running of the United organisation is no business of Cabinet who with tho exception of the Prime Minister have no official standing whatsoever. The United organisation being formed without a party is entirely free from Cabinet control. I may state that despite any foolish declaration to the contrary I remain chairman of the United organisation until the Dominion Conference is ended, at which Cabinet lias not even the right to be represented by other than the Prime Minister.

It will be for the organisation to decide any such questions, not Cabinet. They have no jurisdiction over my position and the assertion that it to be dealt with by them is botli childish and impossible. Cabinet does not pay my salary, which, together with the money to carry on the organisation I raise myself. The small amount of money contributed by Sir Joseph Ward and bis Alinistry is insufficient to pay the salary, let alone the expenses of the organiser. That is merely personal matter and nebulous inuendoes regarding myself is another London loan mystery and smacks of His usual tactics used in controvery. From the interesting disclosures made by Sir Joseph Ward of Cabinet’s alleged intention to deal with my (position it is obvious where any personal questions come from.

In view of vital issues involved 'and the seriousness of tho country’s present position, any statements or suggestions that I have made either to Cabinet or publicly have been entirely disapassionate and impersonal and I invite Sir Joseph Ward or Cabinet to make public any suggestions I have made to them not in the interests of good government. I welcome anything that will shed light on the situation but I deplore any personal side issues such as introduced bv the Prime Minister.

MR JENKINS DISSATISFIED. AUCKLAND, Jan. 14

Mr Jenkins, M.P., in an interview, expressed himself dissatisfied with tho present leader of the United Party. He said he intended to call a meeting of bis constituents to obtain an expression of opinion as to what his attitude should be before he returns to Wellington, He says be feels lie was to some extent misled when he joi"-'-’ 11 cited Party in the first place, and he finds himself substantially in agreement with the views expressed by Mr A. E. Davy, that the United and Reform parties should come together to prevent the country from passing to the dominance of Labour.

I do not want to injure my Party, he continued, but I am one of the few reailly independent members of it. financially independent too. I have a great regard for many of our members and ’the Minister, Mr A. J. Stallworthy, for instance, I consider a thoroughly efficient Minister and many of the others are very efficient men. They are working very well but I conscientiously believe that their groat -hindrance is their leader.

• The policy questions were novel’ discussed at any United caucus mootings. At those- to which we, were invited by our Leader, it was just to say how do you do and got some advice as to how the Opposition was likely to act. As far as my Party is concerned I only promised to vote Reform out and I have fulfilled my promise. It is a. question with me how far I can continue to support the United Party.