LIBERAL LEADERSHIP

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18049, 24 September 1920, Page 6

LIBERAL LEADERSHIP

MR M'CALLUM'S OPPOSITION.

(Pee United Pbess Association.) BLENHEIM, September 23. During the course of an interview with an Express reporter, Mr R. M'Callum. member for Wairau, made a statement in regard to his views on the political situation. He .-.aid:' "For years past in this country the gradual obliteration or convergence of political party iincs has been conspicuously noticeable. The war, by forcing upon all parties the subordination (taking tho shape of the National Government) of party interests to the national and Imperial welfare, accentuated and hurried on this process. Tho union and co-operation of both parties for over four years and the results of the last general election have how produced a new and unprecedented situation in our parliamentary history. The old dividing lines of the Conservative and the Liberal have disappeared, or have so merged and converged as to leave it- somewhat difficult for many to discover the distinguishing party principles. The disappearance of Sir Joseph Ward (temporary or otherwise) from New Zealand politics has still further promoted this situation, as it has left no one with tho outstanding ability and authority he possessed to declare tho policy of tho Liberal Party. It Would be idle to deny that, apart from any question of numbers, the old solidarity of the party has disappeared. I am not alone among those who followed Sir Joseph Ward and the late Mr Mao Donald in finding that I cannot accept Mr Wilford as my leader. I do not propose to enter into the reasons for this conclusion, as these might be regarded as more or less invidious, but the impossibilitv of his holding the party seems to me beyond question. In such a situation I find it due to my constituents and myself to define my position in the House to-day. I .stand for political principles, but have no political leader, and these principles I shall endeavour to support and promote irrespective of party until a leader arrives or emerges who, in Ay judgment, is qualified for, and politically worthy of. Liberal leadership, if indeed the Liberal Party is to survive." Mr M'Callum concluded bv outlining a programme of what he considers is required in these times, and states: "In this short programme there is great work for the Government to do, and' to the best of my ability, if tlie Government is ■willing, I am out to help it irrespective of party."