POLITICAL SITUATION.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17979, 26 March 1930, Page 5

POLITICAL SITUATION.

PARNELL BY-ELECTION. PREMIER’S INTENTION. i REPLY TO MISSTATEMENTS. DISTORTION OF FACTS. (Special to Times.) WELLINGTON, Monday. On Saturday Sir Joseph Ward in a chat across the telephone from Rotorua, gave it as ids intention to speak in Auckland during the by-election, not so much for the purpose of directly influencing the constituency immediately concerned as to expose some of the flagrant misstatements that had been made concerning the United Party and himself.’ He did not for a minute wish his passing indisposition to close the mouths of his critics. 'They were entitled to denounce his policy and its administration as they pleased—that was party politics—but he objected to flagrant misstatements reflecting upon himself and his colleagues being bandied about the country by party newspapers and political perverts, wno either knew nothing about the facts or made a practice of distorting them. Whether or not his medical attendants will allow Sir Joseph to take a strenuous part in the approaching emapaign remains to be seen; but his appearance on the platform in Auckland at the present juncture would add very materially to the interest of the impending contest.

PREMIER MAY GIVE ADDRESS. The most interesting development from the United Party yesterday was the announcement of the possibility of the Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, addressing a meeting during the Parnell by-election. No advice an the matter has reached the Auckland office of the organisation, but Mr CII. Clinkard, United member for Rotorua, had an interview with Sir Joseph at Rotorua about a week ago, and although Mr Jenkins’ resignation had not been announced, the Prime 'Minister said he had it in mind to come to' Auckland to deliver an address on the political situation. Labour Committee Meets. The Labour Representation Committee met last evening and was in touch with the party’s national executive in Wellington, with whom the final decision in the choice of the 'Labour candidate rests. At the close of its deliberations, the committee advised that it had no announcement to make. Date of Election. I it is probable that a date toward the end of April or early in May will be chosen for the by-election to avoid | conflict with the Easter holidays.

Mr Morthcroft Refuses Nomination. Efforts have been made by a member of Reform supporters to persuade Mr e. H. Norlhcroft to contest the election, but Mr Norlhcroft announced yesterday’ that for business reasons" lie could not accept nomination.