MR STATHAM’S PARTY

Otago Witness, Issue 3518, 16 August 1921, Page 24

MR STATHAM’S PARTY

WELLINGTON, August 9. The Mayor o»f Wellington (Mr R. A. Wright, M.P.) has declined a request from Mr (\ K. Statham, M.P., to preside at hi-s meeting to launch the new National Progressive and Moderate Labour Party here on the 24th inet. Mr Statham states that when in Christchurch 1 ho other day ho had been present with Mr Kellet.t at a deputation of women devoting themselves to social reform. The revelations made by these women, with personal knowledge, showed a most appalling si M de of affairs in connection with housing and sanitation. One rase quoted was that of two families numbering 22 persons who were found living in a four-roomed cottage, ftueh a state of affairs simply should not ]>. allowed to exist, especially in a young country like New Zealand. The fact that they d’d exist was a standing disgrace to tho Legislature. Not only in Christchurch, but in other eentre-s, there was work to be dene, and to In* done quickly, if this reproach was to he removed from the social system. The health, comfort, and happiness of tho people should be the very foundation of the nation. Then there, was the all minor! ant question of finance. The lingo public debt of approximately £J2OO.0 r /1,000. the crippling rate, of taxation, and tho enormous increase in departmental expenditure, was quite

enough to make every thinking man and woman r me and ask whither the country was drifting. Mr St-itli.un, when spoken to concerning Mr Veitch’s alleged defection from the party, said Mr Veitch had never been a member. He had an opportunity along with other Independent members of joining but had* not done so.