POLITICAL SITUATION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXIII, Issue 15861, 26 February 1912, Page 8

POLITICAL SITUATION.

MR VEITCH'S ATTITUDE [Per Phess Association.]

WANGANUI, February 25

The "Chronicle" learns from an authoritative source that tho rumour that Mr Veitch is likely to break his election pledge is quite unfounded. Mr Veitch returned to Wanganui on Saturday specially to meet his committee. He arrived by the 9 p.m. train and proceeded at once to the meeting, which was largely attended. The " Chronicle " understands that interest in tho meeting was enhanced by the fact that during the forenoon the chairman of Mr Voitch's committee received a telegram from a member of the Wanganui Labour Party at present in Wellington, strongly urging that Mr Veitch should bo given a free hand with regard, to the no-confidence motion now before the House. This was interpreted to mean that Mr Veitch should he free to vote for instead of against the Ward Administration, and prominent members of his committee received the suggestion with unqualified disapproval. So far as they were concerned, they said, there was to be no breaking of pledges, and they did not believe for a moment that Mr Veitch himself would think of going back on his word. Steps were taken to ensure a large attendance at last night's mooting. The proceedings wore not onen to the Press, but the "Chronicle "" was informed that the greatest unanimity prevailed, that Mr Vgitcl' made it clear that he had no intention of breaking his pledge, and that the meeting terminated with a clear and unanimous understanding that he would vote for Mr Massey's amendment to the Address-in-Reply, and that once that vote had been given he should be free to vote as he considered best on any other question that may arise.