THE GENERAL ELECTION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19976, 19 June 1928, Page 10

THE GENERAL ELECTION

UNITED PARTY'S WEAKNESS. "FIGHTING ONLY FOR A NAME." ACHIEVEMENTS OF REFORM. [by telegraph.—peeps association.] ELTHAM. Monday. The assertion that the Liberal-Nationalist-United Party is practically defunct was made by the Hon. O. J. Hawken, Minister of Agriculture, in an address to Reform supporters. After saying that the new party was weak, having no policy and no leader, Mr. Hawken stated that those remaining in were those who would not accept the inevitable, but were prepared to go on fighting not for a policy, but only for a name. British people all over the world objected to a, multiplicity of parties. He suggested that it was high time the Liberals considered the matter and asked themselves whether it was worth while keeping up old feuds and jealousies, the occasion for which had long ceased to exist.

The electors, declared the Minister, should combine solidly to combat the real danger, that of the Socialistic Labour Party, which had distinct ideals and a policy which was not acceptable to the large majority of the electors. The ■Socialistic Labour Party's policy was dictated by professional politicians employed by organised trade unionism. It was an organised party, it had a leader, and it had a distinct policy. The rational people of the country, who were opposed to its objectives of State ownership, abolition of the freehold, and the imposition of high protection, should not regard the danger too lightly. Mr. Hawken reviewed the achievements of the Reform Party during its 16 years of office, and said 110 other party in the Empire had survived the difficult post-war period. Surely to have established such a record the party must have in its policy something virile, something sound, something progressive, and, indeed, all that made for good government of the people. THE EDEN" ELECTORATE. INVITATION TO MR. L. E. RHODES. A large and representative deputation waited upon Mr. L. E. Rhodes, Mayor of Mount Albert, yesterday, inviting him to contest the Eden seat at the general election on behalf of the Reform Party. Mr. Rhodes said he would consider the matter arid announce his decision later. FRANKLIN ELECTORATE. REFORM PARTY MEETING. A meeting of Reform Party supporters in the Franklin electorate was held at Papakura yesterday, Mr. F. Perkins, chairman of the executive, presiding over an attendance of about 50. A telegram, expressing appreciation of the efforts of the party executive in the electorate, was received from the Prime Minister, Mr. Coates. A motion was passed, pledging those present, to support the Reform Party. Mr. E. D. McLennan, M.P., then addressed the meeting, and a motion of continued confidence in him as the Reform member for Franklin was passed. REFORM PARTY IN WAIKATO. MR. D- S. REID'S CANDIDATURE. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] HAMILTON, Monday. The chief organiser of the Reform Party, Mr. D. Hebenton, has received the following telegram from the Prime Minister, acknowledging the resolution passed by a conference of delegates at Morrinsville: — "Many thanks for the telegram advising the selection of Mr. D. Stewart Reid as the Government candidate for the Waikato seat at the next general election. I have suitably telegraphed to Mr. Reid. The expressions conveyed in the resolution carried at the conference are warmly appreciated by my colleagues and myself." CONTEST FOR EGMONT SEAT. MR. C. A. WILKINSON TO STAND. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] NEW PLYMOUTH, Monday. Mr. C. A. Wilkinson lias definitely announced his return to politics. In a letter to the chairman of the Eltham National Liberal organisation, Mr. J. W. Stubbs, he signifies his intention to stand as an Independent for the Egmont seat, now held by the Hon. O. J. Hawken, Minister of Agriculture. This decision is in response to recent deputations and a meeting of National Liberals held at Eltham recently.