MR. POLSON'S POLITICS

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 78, 2 April 1928, Page 9

MR. POLSON'S POLITICS

LEADERSHIP IN DEMAND. SOUGHT BY TWO SECTIONS. NO DEFINITE ANSWER GIVEN. (By Telegraph.—Special to "Star.") WELLINGTON, this day.

It has been reported from Auckland that Mr. W. J. Poison, Dominion President of the New Zealand Farmers' Union, is organising a new party with himself as leader. The reverse is the case. There is good authority for the belief that Mr. Poison has been approached from several sides and asked to assume the leadership of a group of farming members dissatisfied with the present position of the Reform party and also of some representatives of business interests.

It it reported from a reliable source that Mr. Poison has not decided to enter the political arena as things stand, but that he is awaiting developments. Both sections which have approached him are aware of his attitude, and it is probable that if they can arrive at an understanding, or, better still, join forces, Mr. Poison will accept their offer. It is significant that in his Masterton speech Mr. Poison admitted that pressure had been brought to bear upon him, but that he had not yet made up his mind.

NON-COMMITTAL REPLY. (By Telegraph—Own Correspondent.) WANGANUI, this day. A telegram sent from Auckland on Saturday to the effect that Mr. W. J. Poison, Dominion President of the Farmer's Union, is organising a new political party with himself as leader, was referred to Mr. Poison to-day. He stated that his attitude to politics was fully covered in the report sent out from Masterton on Friday evening, and he said he could throw no light on the message from Auckland.

At Masterton Mr. Poison said he was convinced that the Farmers' Union should keep out of party politics. He himself had not made up his mind.