THE REFORM PARTY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2857, 12 March 1925, Page 2

THE REFORM PARTY.

MR. MASSEY STILL LEADS OX. •'XT) NECESSITY FOR SUCCESSOR,” The Reform Party and its leadership, present, and prospective, is dismissed in tlit* current issue of “The Xewslrller,” the Party's olli cial organ. Commenting upon rumours that, (■wing to his physical condition, (he Prime Minister would he compelled to retire from active political life. “The Newsletter" asmires its readers that Mr Masse\ is as vigorous in mind as ever, and keenly alive to ihe necessities of the political situation. and that before long he will be again resuming (lie position lie Ims so capably and honourably tilled since J 9.12, in charge of the country's affairs. For that all good Reformers will he devoutly thankful.

“Supporters of I hi* Reform Party need be under no apprehension concerning its future, although its opponents are seeking fo make political capital mil of Ihe idea, that ii is. purely a Massey Party, which must inevitably fall to pieces, shorn! its leader withdraw from active political life. Mr Massey has no inlentimi of retiring from the Party adei-ship so long as his health and

!length permit him to remain at its head, and his supporters are desirous of keeping him there ‘The Newsteller' has thi* host of authority l'or staling that Mr Massey is as full of light os ever, and is determined that no effort shall he wanting on his part to keep the Reform Hag Hying and to maintain its platform in supporl of the King, the Constitution, and the Empire; to uphold and i'oslor the Imperial connection and preftrential trade within the Empire, together with an adequate defence . \ stem, safeguarding the homes and lives of |he people, while also carrying mi the government of the country on those progressive lines which have marked Reform legislation during the 12 years and more that Mr Massey has held the Prime Alin.'•tership. “The Reform Party has, within Os ranks, many capable men, and is not likely lo he at a. loss to choosi ; i successor lo Air Massey when l lie necessity arises; lmt as we have said, lliat necessity lias not arisen, and does not appear likely to arise lot some years to come. Reform •supporters are, therefore, counselled to pay no heed to the whisperers and self seekers who are striving to uplift their own fallen fortunes by spreading abroad their alleged belief that the Reform Party is a spent force, its principles are 100 vital for that,; its record too good to be thus lightly disposed of.”