UNITED MEMBER'S VIEWS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 22 November 1928, Page 5

UNITED MEMBER'S VIEWS

SIR APIRANA NGATA ON THE SITUATION

GLSBORXE. This Dav

The opinion that Sir Joseph Ward's health would prevent him carrying out the duties of Prime Minister, was expressed to-day by Sir Apirana Ngata. United member lor the Eastern Maori seat, and a probable Ministerialist in the United Cabinet.

Sir Apirana considered that Mi' Masters, chairman of the United Party, not now in Parliament, would have made the best Liberal Premier, and thought that in the event of Sir Joseph Ward preferring a lighter office, the leadership should be offered to .Mr Ramson or Mr Forbes.

Sir Apirana also stated that despite

the United members' criticism of the Taupo railway, he thought the new Government would proceed with the project. People who criticised the work knew nothing about the district. Under scientific treatment, the Taupo pumice lands had a great future. He had seen the poorest pumice lands converted into green pastures, and was confident that Taupo would prove a good investment. A FLAT CONTRADICTION WELLINGTON. This Day. A copy of the message from Gisborne giving an interview with Sir Apirana Ngata with reference to the Premiership was shown to Sir Apirana on his arrival at AVellington to-day. He gave a flat contradiction to the message, and said he never made such a statement.