POLITICAL MATTERS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19205, 23 June 1924, Page 8

POLITICAL MATTERS.

MR WILPORD REPLIES TO CRITICISM.

(Pee United Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, June 21. With reference to a recent statement published in the Southland Nows regarding the leadership of the political forces, Mr Wilford says:—“The Soulhuliul News, which has just caused such a sensation hy an article against myself ~and Sir Joseph Ward, opened by demolishing the Prime Minister. Previous to tho article airainst myself it metaphorically wiped him off the political map, and then, having disposed of him, started to try to settle me oe a leader in order to clear the decks for a now parly. The man they propose to lead tho new party in New Zealand, vvliich is at present not in existence and has no being, is Mr Frank Rolleston. tho Reform member for Timaru.” Air WTTford says his party is solid and as happy a family as ever worked in political life. All aro accounted for, and are staunch and true. DISCLAIMER BY MR ROLLESTON. (Pee United Press Association.) TIMARU, June 22. With reference to tho press message from Wellington referring to Mr Roilcaton, M.P. for Timaru, as tho leader of a new political party, Mr Rolleston says there is absolutely no truth in the assertion, and that tho press message was the first he haj heard of the matter. PRE-SESSIONAL ADDRESS. (Per United Press Association.) ELTHAM, Juno 21. The Reform member for the district, Mr 0, J. Hawken, gave a pro-sessional address last evening, and received a sympathetic hearing. He dealt with the moratorium, agricultural bank, taxation, and tho licensing law, and predicted that there would not be an election. He supported the Government's action in the recent railway strike. The speaker was accorded a unanimous vote of thanks. THE CO-MING SESSION. EXPECTED TO LAST FOUR MONTHS. (From Our Own Cok,bespondent.) WELLINGTON, June 22. Mr Bitchener (Waitaki) will move the motion regarding tho Addross-in-Reply in the House of Representatives. It will bo seconded by Mr Linklator (Manawatu). The announcement regarding tho appointment of a now member of the Cabinet may be expected either ou the eve of the opening of Parliament or soon afterwards. It is expected that tho session will last till about tile end of October. THE WAIKATO SEAT. CANDIDATES FOR NEXT ELECTION. (Pra Vxrmn Press Associatioh.) *• TE AWAMUTU, June 21. Interest in the selection of the Reform candidate for the Waikato seat at the next election is growing. At a conference of branch delegates to be held here on July 2 the final selection will be made. The aspirants already announced are Messrs A. C. Deur (Kawhia), J. T. Johnson (Te Awamutu;, and D. S. Reid (Ngahinapouri). Messrs Dent and Johnson both contested the seat at the last election. Mr Chairman is chairman of the Waipa County Council Other probable candidates are Messrs Mervyn Wells (Cambridge) and Major Samuel (Tirau). The present member, Mr Lye, will definitely seek re-election in the Liberal interests. There is no indication so far of a Labour candidate.