PARNELL SEAT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 120, 17 April 1930, Page 7

PARNELL SEAT.

REFORM CAMPAIGN OPENED. MR ENDEAN s/eAKS. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, April 16. The Reform campaign in the Parnell by-election was opened by Mr W. P. Endean, at Remuera to-night. There was a large attendance, and Mr Endean was accorded a good reception. Also on the platform were Messrs J. S. Dickson, H. R. Jenkins and It. Glover Clark, who had also been aspirants for official endorsement. It was announced that all three would work to secure Mr Endean’s return. The candidate severely criticised both the United and Labour Parties. He accused the Government of extravagant borrowing, which was likely to lead to a similar debacle as was recently experienced by Australia. Reform had followed a prudent financial policy, and Mr Endean appealed to the electors to return. him as an indication that the Dominion again required a stable Reform Government. The United Party had promised to solve unemployment in five weeks, but everyone knew what the present position was. Mr Endean claimed that 20 Labour members were really governing New Zealand to-day, and unfortunately Labour had no responsi-. bilities to the country. The United Party had failed so badly that its candidate, Mr Donald, was not justified in asking that it be given another chance. Reviewing the platform of the Labour Party, Mr Endean declared that its policy was so ridiculous as not to stand the test. The meeting unanimously, passed a motion expressing the opinion that Mr Endean was the most suitable man to represent the electorate in Parliament. REFORM PAIITY METHODS. MINISTER’S CHARGES. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, April 15. Two charges against the Reform Party were made by Hon. W. A. Veitch when . speaking last night in support of tlie United candidate for Parnell. Mr Veitch asserted that the Government’s Transport Bill last session was eo severely opposed by .the Reform Party that it could not be passed. He also declared that the land taxation legislation was opposed only by the Reform Party, whose stonewalling tactics had tlie effect of breaking down the health of Sir Joseph Ward. “We will not be driven this way and that,” added Mr Veitch. “If ite cannot carry out our policy in a dignified way we will ask the electors about it.” REPLY TO MR VEITCH. “NOT CRICKET.” Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, April 16. Speaking at his initial meeting last night, Mr Endean paid a tribute to liis two opponents as capable and estimable men, but regretted that Hon. W. A. Veitch, Minister of Labour, had on the previous evening charged the Reform Party with causing the indisposition of Sir Joseph Ward by stonewalling the Land and Income-tax Amendment Bill last session. Sir Joseph Ward did not appear in the House after October 2, and the stonewall did not commence until October 22. Mr Endean characterised Mr Veitch’s allegation as not playing cricket. MR DAVY’S - REVELATIONS. PREMIER ILL BEFORE ELECTION. Per Press Association. - AUCKLAND, April 16. Mr A. E. Davy, formerly chairman of the Dominion executive of the United Party, states: “Mr Veitch will remember that just prior to,the general election of 1928, when Sir Joseph Ward made a very brief policy speech in the Town Hall in Auckland, ms health was not good. The curtailment of this speech was partly due to the unfortunate effect of this, and one cannot but admire Sir Joseph Ward’s courage in carrying on. “Three days after ho returned to Wellington, his doctors sent for me arid told me that it would be impossible for him to continue as leader of the party, or even as a • member of Parliament. They had told him this, and he instructed them to tell me. After a prolonged conference with me, they finally agreed to let him remain as nominal leader, provided that he was not disturbed in any way with politics or seen by anyone until they gave further permission, which was ultimately given .a 'fortnight later. Sir Joseph Ward’s health from then has unfortunately not been good, and this recent breakdown can be attributed to no other than natural causes, combined with the strain of one-man Government. In this respect, the United Cabinet is grossly unfair to its leader and the country as a whole.