NATIONAL PARTY

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22137, 6 July 1937, Page 7

NATIONAL PARTY

ATTITUDE OF LIBERALS EXPLAINED

ANTAGONISM DENIED

(PRKSS ASSOCIATION IILEQttAU.)

DUNEfciN, July 5.

A denial that there was any suggestion of antagonism to the National Party in the attitude adopted by a certain section of. the old Liberal Party in Dunedin was given to-day by men who last week attended a meeting of Liberals, at which the present political situation was discussed. This meeting, it was stated, was merely a gathering of friends inter-e-ted in the Liberal viewpoint, at which it was agreed that the measure of support to be- accorded by them to the National Party should depend on the extent to which the Liberal viewpoint was reflected in that party's polity. The hope was expressed on that occasion that there would be nothing in the National Party's policy which would render a breakaway by the Liberals desirable. The meeting, which w-as attended by fewer than 12 persons, was presided over by Mr W. B. Taverner, a former member for Dunedin South, who wa- Minister for Railways in the first United Cabinet. Referring to the meeting to-night, he said: 'The meeting referred to was informal, and consisted of a feW friends interested in the Liberal viewpoint, who met to discuss the general political situation. It should not be interpreted at th's stage as being antagonize to the Nrtional Party. The Libsrals are awaiting the announcement of that party'.'* nolicy, and when that is made they will doubtless arrive at a Conclusion as to the support Which ckn be accorded it."

The view that Ihe attitude adopted by those who attended last week's meeting was brought about by a misunderstanding was expressed by Mr J; T Jpffery. carman of th« ot^? 0 and Southland Division of the National Party. Notices of the meetings of the party were sent to all members, ne r aid, and when some of the old members, representative of both the Reform ar><-' Liberal Parties had "nt attended the meetings, it was regarded as indicating that they were content to allcw the younger members to carry cm. Support for this contention was found in the fact that a good many of the younger liberals were working very enthusiastically for the party. Any dissatisfatciort there was had evidently arisen from a misunderstanding by a very small section of Liberal supporters, for the organisation as a whole was going very smoothly and harmoniously.

MEETING AT WEST EYRETON

A meeting of the? West Eyreton Committee of the Nrtional Party was held in the hall, West Eyreton, on Saturday evening. The secretary of the Canterbury division explained the constitution and aims of the party Mr R. W. Thompson was elected chairman and Mr P{. D. Poulton secretary of the branch.