STATE OF PARTIES

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 150, 22 December 1914, Page 8

STATE OF PARTIES

MEETING OF OPPOSITION CONFIDENCE IN LEADER RECOUNTS TAKING PLACE. The event in the political situation today was the big meeting of the Opposition which took place in the old Parlia-. ment Buildings. Both sections of the Opposition — the Liberal and Labour Parties — were represented, and of the forty elected members only four were absent, and these from unavoidable causes. The absentees — Messrs. Buddo and M'Callum (Liberal), and Walker and Munro (Labour) — each wrote apologising for absence and experssing themselves in entire accord with any action the party might take. The gathering lasted between two and three hours and was characterised by remarkable enthusiasm. The cheering from time to time was easily audible outside the building. FULL SUPPORT TO SIR JOSEPH WARD. At the conclusion of the meeting the Leader of the Opposition (Sir Joseph Ward) made a brief statement to the press. After a reference to the unanimity of the proceedings and the enthusiasm exhibited, he stated that the following resolution had been carried unanimously : — "That this meeting of members of the House of Representatives records its hearty congratulations to Sir Joseph Ward , 011 the result of the elections, and expresses its entire confidence in him as leader. It further pledges itself to loyally support him in any action he may take in connection with the present crisis and during the present Parliament." Resolutions of regret at the death of the late Hon. W. Montgomery and the defeat of individual members of the party at the elections, with good wishes for future success, were also passed. In reply to a question as to what policy the Opposition would pursue, Sir Joseph said he was not prepared at the present time to make a statement on the subject. All he could say was that the party wa-s absolutely united a-nd perfectly unanimous in its support. WELLINGTON EAST RECOUNT The recount in connection with the Wellington East seat was commenced at the Magistrate's Court at 10 o'clock this morning, and proceeded steadily all day. Mr. R. P. Ward, Clerk of the Court, "is supervising, and Mr. E. Kellow is acting as scrutineer for Dr. Newman and Mr. J. N Grant for Mr. M'Laren. At present it is difficult to say -when the recount will be completed, but Mr. Ward expects to be through some tune tomorrow.