REPLY TO MR MASSEY

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11932, 12 September 1924, Page 7

REPLY TO MR MASSEY

NEW ZEALAND LEAGUE HON. J. G. COATES HEAD OF AMALGAMATED PARTY. “NEK ZEALAND’S NEED TO-DAY.” The following circular from the New Zealand League, being a reply to the recent statement made by the Prime Minister, was circulated amongst members of Parliament yesterday. The last paragraphs are evidently addressed direct to Mr Masesey: “The league was so surprised at Mr Massey’s denial that it gave him two weeks to reflect. The Premier stated he had no knowledge of the members; but the Press and ‘Hansard’ record his statement in the House as hereunder : I can pick it in two, hut the time has not come to make public the names I have in mind, though it will come; and if I get the opportunity I will not hesitate to use it and make the names public. “This is the ‘Hansard’ record of Mr Massey’s statement, word by word, and the opportunity to announce the names he has in mind is to-night, and the place—the House. “The Premier cannot deny the ‘Han sard’ report in which he confessed his knowledge of the league members, and his denial, after his public confession, strengthens the league’s contention, that the Hon. J. G. Coates, at the' head of an amalgamated party, is New Zealand’s need to-day. “The Farmers’ Union wants competition in the financial world; but your new arrangement with thope who oppose this competition denies the union that which it craves for. “You assail the league for advocating amalgamation and a change of leadership ; hut carry out your threat to force an election, and you will see that the league is expressing the wish of each elector who has New Zealand’s interests at heart. Each candidate, whose -platform was Coates for Premier ana for amalgamation and strong government, woultT sweep the polls.”