AN INVITATION DECLINED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 September 1943, Page 2

AN INVITATION DECLINED

MR MACKLEY & INDEPENDENT

GROUP.

Speaking at the Masonic Hall on Wednesday evening, Mr G. H. Mackley, National candidate, explained to his large audience that some two or three months ago he had been approached by Mr A. E. Davy, formerly organiser for many different political parties and the organiser behind the Independent Group, to stand as an Independent. “Mr Davy,” said Mr Mackley, “informed me that I was just the type of person his group and the people of New Zealand desired to see seeking Parliamentary honours, because of my background of experience and circumstances which made me the ideal type of man to represent the people in Parliament.”

Mr Mackley stated that Mr Davy assured him that if he (Mr Mackley) stood as an Independent, he would have the whole-hearted support of that group and that,' with this backing, he could be absolutely sure of winning the seat.

Mr Mackley said he had been surprised to find, after he had given Mr Davy a negative answer, that other people were being informed that, he (Mr Mackley) had accepted the invitation to join the group. “It is a pity,” continued Mr Mackley, “that so many innocents are being used in the way Mr Clive Drummond was used the other evening, but their sense of fair play and normal standards should prevent them falling into the trap.”