NEW ZEALAND LIBERALISM

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 12 June 1925, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND LIBERALISM

~ » — 1 WILL NEVER BE ABOLISHED

REMARKS BY HON. k. McKENZIE Speaking at. the memorial gathering at tlio late Mr Seddon’s statue in Par liament grounds the ih'n. Roderick McKenzie briefly refeiTi'il to I lie present politieal position, says the- New Zealand Times. 'The present situation, lie said, was something like wliat it was when the llal lance Government- was first formed, with the difference that at that time’there were only two parties. Many newspaper editors. politicians, and others agreed now that it was time the present three-party system was done away with; and be was of the op.nion that it should he done awav with not only in New Zealand but in every country. There was one thing lie felt he could say with confidence, and that was that Liberalism in New Zealand would never he abolished by any party whatever, i Hear, hear.) It might become weaker. The Reform Party had been far weaker man tin: Liberal Party was to-day. and. lie felt confident that a man would arise, as surely as Mr Seddon arose in 1896. to revive Liberalism, and restore the party to its former strength. He had no doubt that the 'majority of those present that day would do their utmost to living that about. The present Labour Party had some very strong adjutants, but lie did not. think they were as strong as those of the old Liberal Parly. The legislation of that past administration. tie members of which had been called "the Seven Devils of Socialism.'’ bad lonferred enormous benefits on the country, and lie. had no donhl. whichever parly gained power. that the legislation passed by Mr Seddon ami his ( h•vcrnmeiii would he kepi on the statute bock ot New Zealand for ever.