UNITED POLITICAL PARTY

Otaki Mail, 15 March 1922, Page 3

UNITED POLITICAL PARTY

ITS AIMS AND OBJECTS. I MR VEITCH'S OPINION. During his visit to Otaki last weekend. Mr W. A. Veitch, M.P. for Wanganui, in conversation with a representntivo of the “Mail,” made refcrcuce to tho new United Party, of which he is a member. Ho said the party was doing quite well. As regards its strength that could hardly be judged yet from the fact that a good many members of the House had pledged themselves not to join any new party until the term of this Parliament was over. “Wo hope to have a very strong party in the next Parliament; we have in fact a good following already in this one, ’ ’ lie said. There was a very pressing need in New Zealand for a strong organised opposition in the House, and he believed their legislative work had suffered as u result. Such an opposition was necessary to see that everything done politically was clean and : above board, and they should know everything that was going on. Mr Veitch contended there was too much ministerial control, _ and to this lie believed was due the fact that in live years the public expenditure had largely increased. Now the Government was casting about for economy measures, and its sweeping retrenchment had reduced departments to such an extent that efficiency was impaired. Tho Railway Department was an example. Instead of maintaining a high state of efficiency with the men and material available, it seemed to be the aim to show a profit over expenditure. That, said Mr Veitch, was political advertising instead of real efficiency. Air Veitch said it was expected that the United Party would be well represented at the next election. Quite a lot of offers from prospective candidates to stand in the Party’s interests had been received from different parts of the Dominion. The Party was exercising the greatest care to see that the men who were to represent it were of high reputation in their .own districts, as the aim was for a new regime in New i Zealand politics. When it comes to fighting, the Party would fight hard and clean for progress in the interests of the country as a whole, and provided it was given a fair chance and there was no vote-splitting, the Party may have a surprise in store after next election. j