Manawatu Daily Times Activity in Political Camps

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7168, 15 March 1930, Page 6

Manawatu Daily Times Activity in Political Camps

On the strength of the pre-sessional demonstration of the Reform Party and the Labour Party many newspapers are building predictions of an impending political crisis. It is suggested that the Reform Party has discerned a marked revival in its popularity and that the Labour Party, tiring of what it calls the inactivity of the United Party, is prepared on certain conditions to give its support to Mr. Coates and his colleagues for the time being.

Mr. Coates, so far has not demonstrated any eager desire to embrace Mr. 11. E. Holland and his associates, but he has lost no opportunity to let the world at large know that Reform is the only logical refuge for Labour. Meanwhile the United Party seems to be going about its business unperturbed, regretting Sir Joseph Ward’s indisposition very earnestly, but not allowing it to prejudice the harmony and thoroughness of their daily round.

“The rumours of the Prime Minister’s resignation,” the Evening Post states with obvious surprise, “do not appear to be seriously disturbing Sir Joseph Ward.” ITis reticence in regard to his intentions in this respect is hound to involve the Prime Minister in some misunderstandings. Before he left Wellington the other day to return to Rotorua, he let his colleagues and his intimate friends know exactly what was the doctors’ pronouncement on his condition.

Personally he remained sanguine as to his ability to be of service to the country, and no one wished to discourage his optimism; but to old parliamentary hands it seemed impossible for anyone in his condition to do justice to the demands made upon a Prime Minister during a session of Parliament. Sir Joseph, however, may be bent upon presenting the Budget towards which he has been looking during the past twelve months.

Of course, it is quite easy for one politician to throw bricks at another politician and to induce some looker-on to join in the attack. Mr. D. G. Sullivan, the Labour member for Avon, stated down South the other day that the debacle of the United Party was at hand. “The dissension in the United Party,” the New Zealand Worker echoed, “has weakened its prestige throughout the country. Failure to grapple vigorously with the land and unemployment problems has caused widespread disillusionment and discontent. And added to these factors in creating an unstable situation is Sir Joseph Ward’s unhappy state of health.”

As a matter of fact, there have been no dissensions in the 1 United Party of any consequence. The removal of Mr. A. E. Davy from the paid chairmanship of the Executive of the party was an unpleasant episode, but it had nothing to do with politics. ,

Henry Ford, maker of automobiles and collector of antiques, has 12 namesakes in his own home town, it was learned after a study of the new Detroit city directory. The other Henry Fords are classified in occupations ranging all the way from labourer to minister, with at least five of the group employed in some phase of the automobile industry in the city.

After spending a little over a month at the Awapuni health camp some 130 children returned homo yesterday. Valuable work in transporting the children into Palmerston North was carried out by the Manawatu Automobile Association. Only three children have not put on more than 51bs, and the month was hardly long enough for them. The record gain in weight was I4£lbs./

A committee has been set up to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the Workers’ Compensation Larv, and will commence its sittings in Wellington on March 18. Particulars are advertised in this issue.

Thursday next, at 3 o'clock, RearAdmiral Richard Byrd will address 6000 assembled children and the Russell Street School committee has made arrangements for the broadcast message to be heard by the scholars here.

To-night in the Oddfellows’ hall, Cuba street, the Social Club will hold' its usual week-end euchre tourney when intending patrons are assured of a cordial welcome and a good evening’s amusement. Supper will be provided and play commences at 8 o’clock sharp.