TORY PARTY TROUBLES

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 8733, 15 May 1914, Page 4

TORY PARTY TROUBLES

A mild sensation was caused last week when it was discovered that Dr Newman, the .sitting Tory representative in Parliament for the most populous constituency in Now Zealand, had been overlooked by the “Reform” party mandarins in solemn conference assembled —that the doctor had not been ticketed as the “Reform” candidate for Wellington East at the general election. Those who are well informed have been quietly smiling. It is well known that for some time past the “Reformers’” have felt that it is almost impossible for Dr Newman to be again returned for that constituency, and attempts have been made, so it is rumoured, by certain well-known “Reformers” to get Mr J. P. Luke to stand for “Reform” for Wellington East and Dr Newman to try the Suburbs, where the Conservative element is believed to bo more pronounced. It is said that Dr Newman, who left the Hutt seat for Otaki, Otaki foi Wellington North, and Wellington North for Wellington East, does not desire to again fly for cover, and that at present a deadlock has occurred. Credence is given to this story by the fact that Mr Ernest A. James, of E. A. James letter fame, did not give Dr Newman’s name to the press as the “Reform” nominee for Wellington East, and rumour has it that this tactless omission by this very tactless gentleman has called down upon the head of the luckless Mr James the violent wrath of no less a personage than the Right Hon. W. F. Massey, who, though often guilty of making mo?t obvious and serious mistakes himself, declines to permit political blundering in others. Wo sincerely hope that Mr E. A. James will come to no harm through his enthusiasm for “Reform.” for he is undoubtedly an asset of the Liberal party. 'This announcement of Mr Luke to the effect that he has not decided to stand for the Suburbs, but that if he does stand at all it will bo in the “Reform” interest, is significant. In the meantime Liberals are smiling broadly at the incapacity of “Reform,” for with Mr Luke, Mr Reed, Mr T. W. Rhodes, and Mr Clark on their hands the Cup of the Masseyites must bo fairly full at the present time. Wo notice also that “Reform” has not yet labelled its candidate for Hutt. Surely this is rough on Mr Samuels (Coeur de Lion) and Mr Bennington (the modern Phoenix), both of whom are bursting with zeal to wave the flag of “Reform” in that constituency.