DOMINION POLITICS.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17976, 22 March 1930, Page 7

DOMINION POLITICS.

PARNELL ELECTORATE

WHY HE RESIGNED. MR. JENKINS EXPLAINS. AUCKLAND, Saturday. Reviewing his recent resignation from the United Party, Mr. Jenkins, M.P., said he had no alternative but to take that step, “ The caucus asked me to withdraw my statements concerning tiie party, and I certainly could not do that and be truthful,” he said. The assertion that he had resigned from the party because he was piqued at not receiving Cabinet rank was emphatically denied by Mr. Jenkins, Asked under what banner he proposed to contest the by-election, Mr Jenkins first explained that unofficial overtures had recently been made to him by the Refrom Party. “If these overtures are sufficiently pressing I would consider standing in the interests of the Reform Party,” said Mr. Jenkins. “If not, I will come out as an Independent Reform candidate, or as a straightout Independent. 1 want to say, however, that there is no collusion between Mr. Coates and myself in this matter.”

PROBABLE CANDIDATES. MR A. J. BURROWS ANNOUNCED. REFORM CANDIDATE NOT CHOSEN. (Special to Times). AUCKLAND, Saturday. Mr E. H. Nortlicroft and Sir James Gunson are mentioned as likely Reform candidates for Parnell. The Reform League, however, denies this as a rumour as the Reform Executive will not meet till Monday when Right Hon. J. C. Coates will be present, lie left Dargaville for Auckland at noon. It is unofficially stated that Mr J. S. Dickson, the former Parnell member, has no chance of the Reform nomination. Sir James Gunson is on his way to the United States on a holiday. Mr A. J. Burrows, J.P., formerly of Te Aroha, now of Devonport, announces himself in Reform interests for Parnell. For twenty years lie was organiser in a portion of the Tauranga electorate, lie relies on a promise of the late Mr \V. F. Massey to nominate him for Parliament, but does not say wliy he did not stand in 1928. Mr. Yarnold (Lanour) will also rc-contest the Parnell election.

THE UNITED PARTY.

AS UNITED AS EVER. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) DUNEDIN, Friday. Speaking at a social gathering, the Hon. W. B. Taverner, Minister of Railways, said most of tiie legislation in the coming session was in preparation, and the Prime Minister would shortly announce it. The United Party was as united as even. Mr. Taverner trusted Sir Joseph Ward’s health would soon enable him to take a more active part in the government of the country. The speaker’s 12 months’ association with Sir Joseph had confirmed his high opinion and affection for him. A motion of confidence in the Government and hope for Sir Joseph Ward’s speedy restoration to health was carried unanimously.

THE REFORM PARTY. MEETING IN HAMILTON. SEEKING AN ORGANISER. A meeting was held in Hamilton yesterday of the Reform Party delegates from the South Auckland group of electorates. Many matters of interest to the party were considered. Optimistic reports were received from the several electorates and as a result of the recent visit of the Right Hon. J. G. Coates and his Parliamentary colleagues to the district, a healthy interest had been shown in matters political. A resolution, inviting Mr. D. Hebenton to accept the position of organiser to the South Auckland group of electors was carried. Mr. A. E. Mauder, of Wellington, is Dominion organiser of the Reform Party, not Mr. Hebenton, as stated in our issue yesterday. Mr. Hebenton has recently returned from a trip to England.