THE REFORM PARTY.

Wairarapa Age, 9 August 1929, Page 5

THE REFORM PARTY.

ENTHUSIASTIC CONFERENCE CONCLUDES. CONFIDENCE IN MR. COATES AS LEADER. HOPES OF COMING VICTORY. WELLINGTON, August 8. It is officially reported that the Befonn League Conference, which opened on Wednesday and continued with ‘ enthusiasm (some 200 delegates from all parts of the Dominion taking part) closed tonight. The Right Hon. J. G. Coates outlined the country’s great prosperity and progress under the Befonn Government. He quoted statistics in support. It was an incentive to Befonn members of Parliament, he said, to know that they had the support of a big body of electors throughout the country. One of the objects of the conference was to see that all the Reform candidates were successful in their camt paigns. The candidates would undoubtedly be encouraged by such a definite approval of the party’s policy. With the history of their party behind them, AJr. Coates said. Reformers had no reason to fear that the return of the party would be long delayed. The planks of the Reform platform remained fast, namely, the State before the party, and the greatest good for th|> greatest number. Helpful addresses were given throughout the conference, and valuable suggestions and enthusiastic affirmations of loyalty to the party and its policy were made. A resolution was enthusiastically carried of loyalty, support and confidence in Mr. Coates as Leader of the Reform Party, the conference pledging itself to use its best endeavours to see him again returned to office as Prime Minister of New Zealand. The heartiest congratulations were tendered to the Dominion Secretary, Mr. E. A. James, for his invaluable services and the enthusiasm he has ever displayed in the Reform cause, which has been an inspiration to all those associated with him in the party. Mr. A. M. Samuel, M.P., referring to rumours of the formation of new political parties, said that in his opinion and in the opinion of all other members of the Reform Party, there was only one man capable of leading New Zealand. That man was their present leader, the Right Hon. J. G. Coates, who had the unswerving loyalty and support of all members of the party, who recognised his qualities of leadership, which were so essential to the Dominion at the present time.—(P.A.)