THE NEW PARTY

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, Issue 211, 20 August 1927, Page 7

THE NEW PARTY

NATIONAL LEADER’S VIEWS. MOVEMENT WELCOMED. Wellington, Aug. 19. The following statement was made this afternoon by Mr. G. . Forbes (Hurunui). Leader of the National party. "1 have read with interest of the formation of a new political organisation, said to be composed of men of all shades of political thought, including suppoiters of the Reform, National and Libera) parties. I welcome the movement, as it indicates that, in the opinion of those joining it, the time has come for action, as it is hopeless to look to the present Government to provide a policy for the restoration of the progress and prosperity of the Dominion. It is very apparent that it is the outcome of the general dissatisfaction with the Government that is felt throughout the Dominion.” The National party at the last election, said Mr. Forbes, stood for the amalgamation of all those, irrespective of party, who stood for good Government, and it has not in any way departed from that ideal and it will still work for that end. The late Mr Massey when speaking in the Town Hal] in 1911, just before his party came into power, said: “No party should remain in office continuously for more than a very few years, it was good for any Government to have before it all the time the fear that other fellows might come along in a few months or years and have a look in the pigeon holes.” The wisdom of these words was very clear to-day when applied to the present Government. THE LIBERAL REVIVAL. Interviewed to-day Mr. W. A. Veitch whose name is mentioned in a telegram from Auckland in connection with the new movement, said: “You may take it as quite certain that every effort that can be made by me has been and will be made to bring together all people of moderate thought who have no faith or who have lost faith in the present Government. lam convinced that there is a sufficient section of public opinion in this direction to turn the present Government from office, but it is at present only partially articulated and not completely organised- Our purpose is to create an organisation that will bring them all together, so that they may use their political force collectively to reestablish the true principles of Liberalism and liberty, which have been so flagrantly violated by Reform. That is the real purpose for which the Liberal revival is being carried on.” “NO VACANCY.” (Special to “Tribune.”) Farit. Buildings, Aug. 19. Mr. J. A. Lee (Auckland East) asked permission to ask the Premier a question about the new political party. The Speaker: Is it a matter of urgency ? Mr. Lee: Yes.

Mr. Lee said he wished to ask the Prime Minister whether hi* attention had been drawn to a statement to the effect that a new political party was to be formed, to be recruited from Reform and Ministerial ranks and whether he would inform the House what Ministers were proposing to withdraw.

“I can assure the hon. gentleman that it is useless for him to apply, as there is no vacancy,” replied Mr. Coates amidst loud laughter.