UNITED PARTY CAUCUS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4418, 22 February 1930, Page 2

UNITED PARTY CAUCUS.

RESIGNATION OF MR. H. R JENKINS.

( <>N FI HEN CE IN THE PRIME MINISTER.

Two important results, not altogether unexpected, came from the caucus of members of the United Party, which was held at Parliament Buildings yesterday. Tile principal one was the resignation of Mr. 11. R. Jenkins (Parnell), who announced that henceforth he may he regarded in the House of Representatives as an Independent member. Wilde not committing himself to the same extent, Mr. ,J. S. Fletcher (Grey Lynn) intimated that he did not desire any further invitations to party caucuses.

The meeting was presided over by the acting-leader of the party (Hon. G. \V. Forbes). A message received from the Prime Minister (Rl. Hon. -Sir Joseph Ward) stated that lie was making steady progress towards recovery, and, all being well, lie hoped to take his place actively amongst his colleagues at no distant date. While expressing the opinion that the great majority it the people did not desire a genii;aL election before the end of the present- Parliament, Sir Joseph Ward emphasised the necessity to be prepared for eventualities.

A statement handed to the Press, last night after the meeting, indicated that the reorganisation of the party was discussed and a basis for future operations agreed upon. A resolution was carried assuring Sir Joseph Ward of the party’s entire confidence in him as Prime Minister and as leader.