THE NEW PARTY.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 33, 9 February 1928, Page 6

THE NEW PARTY.

Mr. George Forbes, Leader of the Nationalist Party, and a campaigner for the new United Party, made a speech at the Town Hall last evening which was not only effective as an attack on the Government, but contained constructive ideas. It is no reflection on Mr. Forbes, who has served the Liberal cause long and sincerely, to say that criticising the Government is as easy as robbing a blind man. Its offences are rank and smell to heaven. The country is ready for a change. Dissatisfaction with the Government is widespread, and In the whole history of New Zealand there never was a better opportunity for an Opposition with energy, ideas, and leadership. A Liberal Party, well organised, fearless, and capably led, could look forward with confidence to displacing the Government. The United Party claims to be the third party for which the country is looking, but it still has to convince the country of its ability to supply what is needed. Attacks on the record of Reform will not entirely satisfy a public that in its own mind has already riddled the Government. The public wishes to know more about the new party, what it stands for and who is behind it. The United Party may be able to help in overthrowing this Government, but its promoters, and all who wish to see the reign of Reform brought to an end, should remember that unity is strength—Reform having from the first benefited by divisions among its opponents —and that a great deal depends upon constructive policy and quality of leadership and backing.