The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1928. THE RISE OF THE UNITEDS.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 November 1928, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1928. THE RISE OF THE UNITEDS.

The United Party in New Zealand politics has come to the fore very suddenly. During the late intensive campaign, and for some time before it, the opponents of the Lnitcds made the

party the butt of many a platform or newspaper joke. But the Unitcds appear to have thrived on the publicity and being the last to laugh may now laugh longest. Iti is interesting to recall the birth of the United Party, which took place actually only a few months ago. and a writer in an Auckland newspaper has placed the story on record. Here it: is: ,! The.se objects are frankly announced in the confidence that they provide a basis for united action commendable to all classes of the community. They are positive and constructive. The need for prompt action is imperative. There has been for too long a policy of drift. Best worse befall New Zealand than •has as yet happened, a halt must he called to this policy, and not only a halt, hut a rally to newer and bolder enterprise. This call the organisation’s promoters venture to give, believing that the time is opportune for such a hold movement. It remains for all who have a deep regard for their country’s welfare to respond and join the organisation.” Such was the appeal issued by the f nitod New Zealand Political Party’s Organisation when announcing the general and specific objects of the organisation in August. 1927. The birth and performance of the United Party reads like a romance, and it certainly has achieved the most remarkable feat in the history of the Dominion’s political affairs. Tt was not n politician’s party; it was founded by a number of idealists who pledged themselves to take effective steps to ensure Hie return of a Parliamentary party comprising men and women of proved integrity and ability, irrespective of previous party or Parliamentary service. who would loyally support the objects of the organisation. At the inaugural meeting of the organisation there was not a single member of Parliament present. The early operations of the organisation were shrouded in mystery. The first meeting was held in a house in Remuera. According to the newspaper reports, a large and enthusiastic meeting of representative citizens drawn from every shade or political opinion unanimously decided to fom a branch of the organisation. AYith the exception of the name ot the Dominion organiser, Mr A. E. Davy, at the time no public announcement was made regarding those present. nor has an announcement been made since. For obvious reasons men who had held prominent positions on the Reform party’s executives did not wish to have their change of opinion publicly announced. However, in spite ot the secrecy maintained, most of the Reformers, men with money and grievances against the Government, gradually dropped out of the movement. possibly under the pressure of an unseen* hand. When the formation of the new party was mentioned in Wellington. it was stated that members of the Government smiled at the formation of a new political party, and they made merry fit the expense ol the pm tv

without a policy and without a leader. From Auckland the movement spread south and branches were formed at Welllington, Christchurch and Dunedin, and a conference of delegates from these centres resulted ill the appointment of a Dominion executive. The first political move of importance was the endorsement of the United Party’s aims by Hie National Party, and the next was the visit to Auckland ot Messrs E. A. Ransom, M.P. for Danneyirke, and G. Forbes, M.P. for 11 urnmii. Mr Forties addressed a public meeting in Auckland, but very little hint was given to the opposing political forces of the personnel of the now party. At about this time provincial organisers were appointed, and they proceeded with the difficult task of getting candidates to carry the banner of the party at this general election. The. aims of the party were to get better candidates than those in tfie present Government and to get men or independent means who could pay their own election expenses. In spite of the various rumours of the vast amount of money at the hack of the United party, very few of the promises or financial aid materialised, and the party has always been short of money. However, in getting men who could pay their own election expenses they got men who had been successful in business and other walks of life, and thus offered to the electors a superior class of candidate. On Sept. 14th. a conference was held in "Wellington to decide on a policy and to choose a leader. The policy was formulated and as everyone knows now, the Right Hon. Sir Joseph Ward was chosen to lead the new party. His policy speech in the Auckland Town Hall was the turning point in the campaign, for he expounded a liold policy which proved acceptable to many electors, and which they apparently felt confident he could carry out. Tt was on August 17th. 1927. that the inaugural meeting was held in the house at Remuera. Of those present at that meeting. Messrs J. Trcvothick. A. M. Lewis, F. H. Burbush, AY. J. Broad foot (now ALB. for AY ai to mo"), At. J. Coyle and 0. Aloller are still in the movement. Fifteen months is hut a short time in which to organise a political party, place 65 candidates (with, in addition, several approved independent) in the field, and turn out a Government which was returned with one of flic greatest majorities held in New Zealand The performance of the United Party roads like a romance, and must surely ho ranked as Hie greatest organising feat known in the history of the Dominion.