UNITED PARTY

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 76, 25 February 1930, Page 8

UNITED PARTY

SPIRIT OF THE CAUCUS. MR A. E. DAVY’S CHARGES. Per Press Association. AVELLINGTON, Feb. 24. “The organisation and party now calling themselves United are sailing under false colours, and having apparently stamped out the original movement and its spirit successfully, tho only honest thing they can do is to declare their policy openly and select a corresponding name,” said Mr A. E. Davy, former chairman of the Dominion executive of tho United New Zealand Political Organisation, in t lie course of a statement to-night. “It seems that I have aroused Hon. G. AV. Forbes, acting leader of the United Party,” continued Mr Davy, in referring to the Minister’s reply to criticism of the business at tho caucus on Friday.

“His reply, as it must necessarily be, is studiously evasive, consisting in the main of reflections on myself. His explanation that tho men called to the meeting were the recognised heads of the organisation is most illuminating and explains a good deal to me. Apart from Mr Forbes and his paid position, there are a number of really important points that arise. In the first place, the gentle rubbing between Mr J’orbes and Mr Hawke needs some elucidating. AVho is telling the truth? There can be no misapprehension on the pare of Mr Hawke, as his statement was most definite.

“I say without fear of contradiction that almost the whole time of tho caucus was occupied with frank criticism of the leader, tho acting-leader, and Cabinet and its policy on the part of certain members and with pleading on the other side. How can this be construed as harmonious? Possibly Mr Forbes can explain the following matters :—lf the meeting decided on such drastic changes as he hinted, why was not a properly-constituted conference of the organisation called, with dulyelected delegates? Further, if the past organisation scheme was so bad and unsatisfactory, why was it sanctioned by Cabinet’s own group on the Dominion executive? AY'hy is it that in reports and statements to the Press, the organisers of the organisation state that there was an under-current of intrigue and unrest, which apparently emanated from Cabinet Ministers themselves?

“Did the caucus avoid discussing policy matters or current problems for fear of its arriving at any decisions distasteful to the Prime Minister? In point of fact, why was it called at all? Tile acquiescence of the recognised heads was certain, so why the pretence?” MR DAVY’S ATTITUDE. REPUDIATED BY HASTINGS BRANCH. CONFIDENCE IN PRESENT CABINET. Per Press Association. HASTINGS, Feb. 25. The secretary of the Hastings branch of the United Political Party has sent the following letter to Mr Davy:— “In reply to yotir circular asking our branch for an opinion as to the attitude you have adopted with regard to ths United Party, I have been instructed to write as follows “ ‘The members of this branch are unanimously of the opinion that to do as you suggest, namely, to set up and establish a body responsible to neither the electors nor Porliamcnt, and this to define the policy of the country, is Tammanyism and not to bo thought of under the British flag. “By acting as you have done, you have proved your total unfittedness for the position you occupied. “We cordially approve of the Dominion executive severing its connection with you, and have every confidence in Sir Joseph AVard and his present Cabinet to administer successfully Luo affairs of tho coiintrv.”