LIBERAL LEADERSHIP.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 24 June 1924, Page 7

LIBERAL LEADERSHIP.

MR WILFORD AND THE “SOUTHLAND NEWS.”' By Talc^aaii—Proas Association. WELLINGTON, June 23. With reference to Mr F. J.. Rolleston’s denial that lie iiad been approached in connection with, 'the suggested leadership of a new political party, the Leader of the ,Opposition (Mr T. M. Wilford, M.P.) made the following statement: — “I quite believe that Mr Rolleston was never consulted by the “Southland News.’ and quite credit his statement that he had never heard of any move such as I outlined on Saturday. “I have reason for stating that at the present time, Mr Frank Rolleston was ’The Man for Gahvay’ in the mind of the ‘Southland News.’ and 1 maintain that position. As I stated to a ‘New Zealand Times’ representative last Saturday, it is not any proof that Mr Rolleston is willing to be used for the purposes of the ‘Southland News,’ merely because the : ‘Southland News’ considers that Air Rolleston will fill the bill.

“But the lesson of the great discovery, however, is this; That the new leader decided upon by the ‘Southland News’* has not been approached .yet, and does not even know of the great move which it is suggested will disintegrate the present Liberal party! “There was not much evidently, to make a big story about—was here?”