UNITED PARTY STRIFE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 789, 9 October 1929, Page 1

UNITED PARTY STRIFE

MR. DAVY DEFENDS HIS CASE AGAINST LABOUR M.P’S “NO EXECUTIVE MEETING” Press Association WELLINGTON, Today. In regard to the statement published yesterday, signed by three members of the executive of the United Party in connection with Mr. A. E. Davy’s controversy with four Labour members on the subject ot unemployment, Mr. Davy replies publicly today. After saying the views expressed were his own and that the matter had not been before the executive, he absolves the executive from responsibility. He flatly denies that a “meeting of the executive will be held shortly to deal with the matter.” Messrs. McGrath, Lonergan and Perry are not the executive. They are in a minority on the executive, he says, and have not even the authority to call a meeting. Mr. Davy goes. ou to discount their value to the party. They were not concerned with the risks he took before the elections and they appeared willing that he should shoulder all the burdens, pi-ovided they took no chances and gained a major share of the fruits of victory. It was significant that the majority of the executive had made no mention of the matter to him and, when since approached, had assured him that they had nothing to do with the statement. There would be no meeting of the executive until the usual monthly meeting took place. The facts of the case were that certain timid -ion. ientlemen chose the three gentlemen named and endeavoured to use them as a shield against the wrath of Labour.

He concludes: “At all times I have fearlessly stated my views on political matters and I shall continue to do so, regardless of organisations or parties. There is one thing and one thing only that keeps me in politics, and that is my desire for the good government of the people of this Dominion. The United Party and its Cabinet are at present on trial, and if they make good I am quite sure the electors will not be slow to realise it. but if to retain office they are to be dragged at the chariot wheels of Labour, I suggest the sooner a mandate is sought from the people, the better it will be for them. After all, the people of New Zealand have one political desire: that is, better government and not parties. They will succeed in obtaining their desire even if it means a readjustment of the present position.”