LIBERAL AND LABOUR.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1134, 16 August 1913, Page 3

LIBERAL AND LABOUR.

WITT THE PARTIES COOPERATE ?

Mr D. McTaren, ex-Mayor of Wellington, is at present in Auckland, in connection with United Tabour Party matters. In the course of an interview with a Star reporter, he stated that he was convinced that the United Tabour Party was going to continue to receive the support of a great many unions and other bodies.

One of the arguments most commonly used against the United Tabour Party, he said, had been that they had not attempted to avoid the Tiberal Party when that party had been prepared to go along solid lines of progress. “After the events that transpired at the Grey election,” said Mr McTaren, "we may expect that the criticism which was exercised by the revolutionaries will now surely cease.”

The outlook in the south for the solidification of the progressive forces had never been brighter than at the present time. In the South Island and at Wellington the labour movement on constitutional lines had never been more active. The Liberal Party also was manifesting very much increased activity. This was noticeable not only among the accredited representatives in Parliament, but throughout the rank and file. The distrust of the Government Party which he found among a large number of people was due to the fact that many were becoming impressed with the idea that the Massey Government was not being actuated with a desire to legislate in the interests of the masses, but on the contrary was prepared to put through legislation essentially conservative in character. Asked as to whether his statements could be taken to indicate the possibility of a revival of the old Liberal and Labour Federation, Mr McLaren said “No ; I am opposed to such an amalgamation. On the other hand, whilst fully maintaining our distinct .identity as a Labour party, in practical work and in politics, we shall at the same time be prepared to co-operate with the Liberals on all matters in which we are commonly interested."