DEMOCRAT PARTY

Evening Post, Volume CXX, Issue 140, 10 December 1935, Page 11

DEMOCRAT PARTY

MOVEMENT TO CONTINUE

In an official statement issued today it was announced that the Democrat Political Organisation would continue. After extensive discussion with branches, and groups of leading citizens who have offered to assist, it has been decided that intensive organising would be commenced in all electorates, with the object of establishing a strong movement to oppose the Labour Party at the next General Election. The statement adds:—

"Despite the fact that the Democrat Party had not been in existence long enough to be successful at the last elections, and in view of the abnormal circumstances surrounding the election, it was felt that the majority of the people of New Zealand are, despite the result of the poll, opposed to the doctrines of Socialism. Whilst the Labour Party is, at the moment, proceeding very cautiously, it is felt that this is but a prelude to the introduction of its declared objective, to which all members are pledged, the socialisation of the means of production, distribution, and exchange. This fact should not be forgotten.

"The Democrat Organisation will cooperate with any other movement that desires to oppose Socialism, and that will encourage the best possible type of candidate to come forward, but, in any event, it is the intention of the organisation to carry on in its work against Socialistic forces.

"At this point the organisation does not wish to say more, as the intention is to hold discussions early in the New ■Year with other groups who are interested in a consolidation of forces.

"The executive is definitely of the opinion that the work of the organisation should commence as soon as possible if the Labour Government is. to be defeated at the next election. That this defeat is likely will be' shown by an examination of Mr. Savage's twelve policy points. They make interesting after-election reading, but their fulfilment is another matter.

"To those people who agree with the objectives of the organisation, the executive extends an invitation to communicate with its headquarters in Wellington, or the offices in Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Invercargill. A further announcement will be made about the middle of January with regard to the commencement-of the organising work."