YOUNG NEW ZEALAND PARTY.

Auckland Star, Volume LII, Issue 71, 29 March 1921, Page 3

YOUNG NEW ZEALAND PARTY.

MR. STATHAM'S LEADERSHIP. PROGRESSIVE AXD MODERATE LABOUR. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) DUNEDIN, Monday. Interviewed concerning the new political party, Mr. C. E. Statham, M.P., said he had telegraphed accepting the position of national president of the National Progressive and Moderate Labour party. He had done so because lie helieved the new party might truly be termed a "Young New Zealand" party, and would be representative of the whole of that great and loyal section of the community which stood between extreme conservatism on the one hand and revolutionary socialism on the other. Tho aims and aspirations of loyal Labour would find expression through the new party, whose platform would be based on the principles of justice, humanity and brotherhood. The movement to form the party had received most gratifying encouragement in the North, and he had good reason to believe it would find willing and enthusiastic supporters throughout the Dominion. Naturally attempts would be made by i political opponents to belittle the movement, but he could say definitely that tho new organisation meant business, and had come to stay. Mr. Statham added that he could give an assurance, that the new party would tand for sound and ?ane finance, the development of the country, encouragement of primary and .-eeondary industries and commerce, and the cessation of that irritating and indeterminate, policy which had so harassed businesi men during recent years. He hoped the new party would succeed in bringing about a new era of industrial peace and a period of progress and prosperity that would lie enjoyed not by a few. but by every section of the community. Above all. t'lie new party was out to lend a helping hand to those least able to help themselves, and to restore New Zealand to the proud position she had once occupied inleading the world in progressive legislation.