NEW POLITICAL PARTY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 2008, 29 July 1919, Page 3

NEW POLITICAL PARTY.

APPEAL TO MODERATE LABOUR. MR, YEITCH’S VIEWS. A new political party was advocated by Mr W. A. Veitch, M.P., in the course of a political address at Wanganui. “The present political situation is most unsatisfactory,” he said. “The National Government was formed on a policy of win the war, and to deal with the cost of living question. I acknowledge that under its regime New Zealand has been enabled to play a noble part towards securing Peace with Victory, which is the only basis on which lasting peace could be established. On the other hand, the cost of living and all other domestic war problems have been cruelly neglected, and there are many indications that vested interests have exercised undue influence with the Government.

Safely entrenched behind the people’s patriotism and a large mapople’s patriotism and a large majocome arrogant, inert, and regardless of the needs and desires of the people. They have permitted profiteering to become rampant throughout the Dominion. New Zealand’s greatest present need is industrial prosperity based on industrial peace, which can only be secured by an honest progressive Government that will wrest the control from vested interests and replace it in the hands of the people. To this end I am keenly anxious that the working people shall have a greater number’ of representatives in Parliament, but the problem is, how can this be accomplished? The party that claims to speak for, and to represent Labour is exclusively dominated by the extreme minority of trade unionists so that many people (of whom I am one), who are strongly in favour of improved working and living conditions, find that there is no political group to which they can conscientiously attach themselves. The remedy is to ei’cate such a group. I therefore appeal to Moderate Labour and all sympathisers, not only in Wanganui, but throughout the Dominion, to organise themselves in those electorates Avherc there is a reasonable chance of success, for the purpose of nominating and supporting candidates who will stand firm for the principles of true democracy. Let us have honest men of commonsense who love New Zealand, and who will place the people’s interests before every other consideration so as to know each other better, and set right what is wrong.” “Amen,” said one. elector, at which Mr Veiteh paused. “My duty is to try and organise,” proceeded Mr Yeiteh, “and to A voice; A bit late. Mr Veiteh: There has been a split in Wanganui, but I was not consulted about that. lam going to organise A voice: On your “pat.” Mr Veiteh said he believed the majority of workingmen would be with him (“No” and applause). He would be a political coward if he did not follow his convictions, and if he allowed himself to be forced into a position he honestly believed he should not occupy. (Applause.)