POLITICAL OUTLOOK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17141, 22 April 1919, Page 4

POLITICAL OUTLOOK.

THE "NEW PROGRESSIVES."

MEETING IN AUCKLAND.

DISCUSSION OF POLICY.

An important meeting of members of Parliament representing constituencies in both islands has just been concluded in Auckland. It is understood that the business discussed was of a most interesting character, and concerned the present political situation in all its phases. Recognition was given to the fact that the politics of the Dominion, in common with those of all democratic countries in the world, are at a critical stage of evolution, that old political faiths and shibboleths are losing their former virtue and force, and that new policies and principles are being enunciated in order to meet the demands of period. It is stated that the absence from New Zealand of the two political leaders alone prevented the members present at the conference making any immediate decisive announcement in regard to a policy. They felt that they must adhere to their political pledges for the duration of this Parliament. The life of Parliament is now about to end, and it is authoritatively stated that at the impending general e'ection "freedom of political action will be claimed. Previous to the election a full announcement of policy will b,e made, and this, it is claimed, will be of a most progressive character, covering the requirements of both town and country. In all probability this organisation will be quite independent of present political parties. The main object will be to bring about a state of affairs which will unite the various shades of political opinion to counter the extreme Bolshevism which is at present threatening the world. It is stated that representatives of all political parties were either present or accounted for at the conference.