NATIONAL PARTY

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 192, 18 July 1925, Page 9

NATIONAL PARTY

■ NEW NAME FOR LIBERALS. MR WILFORD’S MANIFESTO. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, July 18. Mr T. M. Wilford has handed to the press for publication the following manifesto : “Wo intend to begin our campaign next week, and will have no difficulty in finding candidates to support the Nationalists. It haS been evident for some time past that the three-party system in politics could nor continue without detriment to good government in this country. It was in this spirit that our party in Parliament entered into negotiations for the formation of a new National Party, which negotiations have broken down. We believe that we did all that honourable men could do to King it about. It is imperative, in our opinion, that matters should not remain as they are. Our friends and supporters in the country and those who earnestly desire to see a stable Government assured, expect something more. “The caucus of our party has, since the breakdown of negotiations, seriously considered the position, and to give effect to that desire we have decided to take a lead in the matter. “With that end in view, and with the belief that the best interests of the country can be served by such a step being definitely and immediately taken, wo have resolved to proceed with the formation of a National Party. We ask our friends and supporters in the country who hive for so long been associated with the Liberal-Labour Party to support us in this action. We believe it to be in accord with the true spirit of Liberalism, that stands for democratic government, which the present three-party system renders impossible. _ “A resolution has been carrierd that the name of the new party be ‘National Party,’ and as such, with a constructive policy, we intend to approach the electors of New Zealand.

“We trust that this change will indicate that we are viewing the situation in no narrow spirit. We hope the new party will include all shades of political thought, except those who are opposed to tile maintenance of constitutional government and will bring into active co-operation those who desire real progress on sound, constitutional lines.” PRIME MINISTER’S REPLY. IMITATION SINCEREST FORM OF FLATTERY. WELLINGTON, July IS. Regarding Mr Wilford’s statement, the Prime Minister stated: “Tho Leader of the Opposition, who has recently been in communication with me, lias not, apparently, deemed it necessary to consult me regarding this latest development in the relations of the two dominant political parties in the eomm uni tv.

“May I say, with all sincerity, that I look forward to seek a mandate from the people of New Zealand when the general election takes place. I, as Leader of the Government, will then ask the support of the electors who are in favour of the progressive National policy which I already have, in the House and out of it, set as the objective of the Government, and which will ensure equal opportunities for all sections of our community. “At first glance, this move on the part of the Liberal-Labour Party in Parliament savours of an attempt to steal tho thunder of the Prime Minister. It seems to me that it is an illustration of imitation being the sincerest form of flattery. The Leader of the Opposition, has been anticipated by my own declaration of faith, which is Nationalism in its broadest sense and objective. There is neither room nor need for two Nationalist parties ip the Dominion—(Signed) J. G. Coates.”