UNITED PARTY

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 70, 20 September 1927, Page 10

UNITED PARTY

NEW POLITICAL BODY

ADVANCED ANOTHER STEP

BEANCH FOEMED m CITY

Mr. A. E. Davy, Dominion organiser of the new political movement, reports that at a meeting held in Wellington last evening a strong branch was formed. The organiser described the meeting as "one of the best political meetings he had ever attended, most enthusiastic and thoroughly representative, comprising citizens of all shades of political opinion."

In opening the meeting the organiser states that he spoke of the growth and popularity of the movement in the Auckland Province", and outlined his plan for the Dominion organisation. Speaking of the welcome extended to him in Wellington, he said: "If it is true familiarity breeds contempt, it will account for the attitude of representative citizens of Wellington to the present Government. Perhaps those who live far away from the centre of Government do not know the want of capacity which, is all too apparent in the present Cabinet. Coming as I have to the Empire City, unknown and with only a few introductions, I expected that my task here would bo difficult, while, on the contrary, I have been received and welcomed in a manner which has astonished me. It is impossible, to particularise any section of the people of this city which is chiefly antagonistic to the present Government, as all seem, " not willing to come into the open .• leasons which can be imagined, *-. least they are willing to substantially assist the "movement with which I am connected. Financial assistance is, to my mind, a proof of the bona fides of the intentions of those desiring to link up, and as far as finance is concerned that end .of the project is assured. THE FIRES OF DISCONTENT. "It is hard to say whether the recent attitude of the Government with regard to taxation proposals, or their amendment of the tariff has produced the discontent which is only too apparent here; but the fact remains that as a result organising work with the objects which.l have in mind becomes easy and fruitful in .results. The financial condition of the country and the drifting haphazard policy of the present Government have tended to build up the fires of discontent, while the long tenure of office and the apparent content with, which public injustices are allowed to continue have developed a hostility which will become very apparent when concreted into action.

"Various speakers, both Reform ana Liberal, voiced their disapproval last night of the legislation placed on the Statute Book by the Reform Party 6inco the 1925 elections, and also their opinion that the Prime Minister had failed. It was generally felt by all present that the Socialistic legislation introduced by the Reform Party, which contained Bops and compromises to the extreme Labour Party, was giving a great .impetus to the Red movement, and but for the advent of the now party would result in disaster to 1 the country. ; A RALLYING POINT. "A resolution forming a branch of the new party was carried unanimously, an executive chosen, officers elected, and sub-committees set up. The headquarters of the movement will bo in Wellington, and offices will shortly bo opened up.

"It was, decided to hold tho next meeting of tno Wellington, branch when tho organiser returns from the South Island. At this meeting delegates will bo chosen to attend the Dominion Conferenco to be held in Wellington on 17th October."

In conclusion, Mr. Davy said that the meeting last night provided a rallying point for those citizens who feol that tho policy of drift must bo stopped and irresponsible expenditure curtailed. The Dominion movement would take shape as soon as ho had formed branches in Christchureh and Dunedin. Supplementary to . tho main organisation, when completed, it is intended to form a women's and a junior lenguoi tho latter of whom tho promoters hope to prepare to take the place in years to como of those who at present hold tho reins.

Mr. Davy further said that ho had been asked over and over again who comprises the executive of the .party. "My answer," he states, "is that the party ia in tho process of formation, and when the final Dominion oxecutivo is chosen it will be for that executive to determine what publicity it desires to give as to its' personnel. I havo informed inquirers that the Reform Government, which has been in power for fifteen years, has not yet advertised or disclosed the personnel of its executive, though it functions nevertheless. May I say that as far as I have gone the exocutive of the new party measures up with that of the Reform Party. I know them both. The new movement is not just an offshoot of Ref orm\or Liberal, but is a combination of the most progressive of both. The eager desire of former Liberals and Reformers to join us is most heartening to me."