UNITED

Evening Post, Volume CIII, Issue 33, 9 February 1922, Page 8

UNITED

PARTIES IN OPPOSITION

MR. WILFORD AS LEADER.

A new political party, to be known as United Progressive Liberal-LaJbou'r Party, has been formed, with Mr. T. M. iWilford as leader. Negotiations have ;ibeen in progress for some days, and last night-the following- official statement "was issued V—-

'; "The Liberal Labour Party, the National Progressive and Moderate Labour 'Party, and a. number of Opposition, members of Parliament, not being members 'of Mr. Holland's party, recognising the for greater co-ordination in the interests of good government and in furtherance of their common ideals, have decided to combine for the purpose of more effectively in the House and at the next General Electon.

.'; "The new party thus created.will be ;known. - as' the United Progressive 'Liberal-Labour Party. f V "Mr. T. M. Wilford, who has hither.to held the position of Leader of . the Opposition, has been elested leader of Jthe new party, and an executive committee has been elected, consisting of Messrs. C. E. Statham, W. A. Veitch, G. Forbes, B. Masters, T. K. Sidey, 'and the" Hon. A. T. Ngata." ■

] Mr. :C. E. Statham said he had little to add to the above statement. The Apolitical situation demanded the forming ...of an effective, united Opposition. The time had come when all personal interests should be subordinated to the best 'interests of the people, hence he and 'Mr. Kellett and their party organisation (the -National, Progressive and ModerateiLabour .Party) 'had agreed ''to join in ;the formation* of. the;new united party. The strength o{ the new party cannot ,le stated with, certainty. Mr. Wilford ■^states that a list!.published,,this; morning -is incorrect. *■ ■■" -- -'• ■• <