P.P.A. AND REFORM.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 96, 24 April 1928, Page 9

P.P.A. AND REFORM.

MR. ELLIOTT'S EXPLANATION

CIRCULAR TO memppub

TARTY MUST FIND THE TRAITOR."

"And of course we always come under the whip of the ''Auckland Star," said the Rev. Howard Elliott, national organised of the P.P.A. to his audience in the Town Hall last night, when referring to last evening's leading article and the report from Wellington concerning the P.P.A. and the Reform party. "It's a wonder the lash of the whip is not worn out," he added, "and ieven to-night it seems to cut some ice."

Referring to the published statements Mr. Elliott explained that the P.P.A.'s circular letter had been sent to each Reform member and marked "confidential." It was not intended that the matter should get into the Press, "and now the Reform party will have to find the traitor," he added.

The Protestant Political Association would not retract one statement that bad been made in that circular, said Mr Elliott. He had written to Mr. Coates, stating that, although some reference was made to him he (the speaker) wished to make it perfectly clear that there was no intention of attacking Mr. Coates on personal grounds. The issue was a purely political one.

In a passing reference to the reply by Mr. James, the Reform League's organising secretary, Mr. Elliott said Mr. James did not explain that his ,(Mr. Elliott's) remarks in connection with Mr. Dallard, of the Prisons Department, had arisen out of the Baume case. He (Mr. Elliott) maintained that Mr. Dallard was still responsible for that release. He was quite willing to discuss publicly the Baume case and disclose some of the evidence he had in his possession—that was, if the Government wanted it.

"Whilst we have given a great deal to the Reform party we have never taken a penny from them," said Mr. Elliott. "We will not take any money from any political party because we must be free from every such party to maintain the principles of our association."