“ NO FUSION ”

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11438, 7 February 1923, Page 5

“ NO FUSION ”

DECLARES LIBERAL-LABOUR CAUCUB PARTY IDENTITY TO BE MAINTAINED. AGAINST “PRO-MONOPOLY” PARTY. •The caucus of the Liberal-Labour Party was held yesterday and to-day, was marked with enthusiasm and good feeling,” stated Mr T. M. Wilford, Leader of the Party, to a ‘‘Times” representative last night. “it was recognised that the recent elections had revealed a great increase of liberal sentiment throughout the Dominion, and a corresponding weakening of the Reform Party’s hold on the electorates. Reports from north and south showed that a -wave of feeling favourable to the Liberal-Labour Party had undoubtedly set in. _ Generous offers of help in organisation work were being received from all juarters, and Liberal-Labour associations, comprising sound young New Zealand elements, were springing up m all directions. The support received in the country electorates from small farmers was reminiscent of the early days of the Liberal Party, when John McKenzie launched his land settlement scheme. Within the ranks of the present Parliamentary representatives of the party the meetings revealed happy relations and a note of unity, that augur well for ite future course. ’ COMPLIMENTS AND CONGRATULATIONS. The members took this t the first opportunity since the elections, of complimenting Mr Wilford on the great work be had done for the LiberalLabour cause during the contest. “It was decided (said the Hon. D. Buddo, the mover of the resolutions appearing hereunder) that Mr W ilford had made good as leader, and that there was ample evidence of growing confidence in the districts where the necessities of the campaign had taken him in his capacity to lead the parThe following resolutions were passed unanimously, on the. motion of Mr Buddo, seconded by Mr G. W. Forbes: “That Mr T. M. Wilford s leader, abip of the Liberal-Labour Party be confirmed, and that the members of the party record their full confidence in him as leader, and pledge themselves to loyally support him as suoh. “That this, the first caucus of the Liberal-Labour Party held since the general election, declares its hearty and sincere appreciation of the services its leader, Mr T. M.Wilford, rendered to the party in the recent election, congratulates him on tne splendid effort made, and the results obtained, and wishes him good health and success in his political future. REPLY TO REFORM RESOLUTION

The meeting fully considered the attitude of the party in relation to the position which ha 9 arisen as a consequence of the elections. Among °t"® r matter*, the resolution passed by the Caucus of the Reform Party early in January, in which suggestions for a realignment of parties was thrown out, was reviewed. The following resolutions were unanimously carried: ‘That the Liberal-Labour Party declares for the maintenance of ite identity as a distinct party, initiating, promulgating, and actively supporting the principles of true Liberalism, and the real interests of the people. ‘That tbo Liberal-Labour Party declares that so long os the Reform Party continues to represent, ana to be mainly influenced bv the owners of large vested interests, the large landowners, and the controllers of monopolies of New Zealand, the opposition of the Liberal-Labour Party to the same will be vigorously maintained. "The Liberal-Labour Party declares its continued sympathy with the genuine aspirations of the wage-earners for improved economic conditions, and the achievement of the same by constitutional means, but emphasises its eontinned opposition to all extreme revolutionary proposals.”

REFORM CAUCUS “NOTHING TO REPORT." A caucus of the Reform Party teas also held last night; but, on a "Times” representative inquiring of the Prime Minister afterwards, he was informed that there was nothing to report.