THE UNITED PARTY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 71, Issue 218, 14 September 1928, Page 7

THE UNITED PARTY

TO-DAY’S CONFERENCE [ Special "Chronicle" Service J WELLINGTON, Sept. 1:1. JlucL interest attaches to the first conference of the United Party which is scheduled to commence in Wellington on Friday. The whole personnel of the party will not be present, but there will be about 50 of-the 00 chosen candidates here, besides several candidates such as Mr W. J. Polson (Stratford) and Mr C. R. Wilkinson (Egmont), who arc opposing Government nominees in the coming election, but who do not bear the United Party stamp. These gentlemen will be present at special invitation. Rumours as to the possible party loader arc rife, but it seems apparent that besides the leader of the Nationalist group (Mr George Forbes) and of the Liberal wing (Mr W. A. Veitch) there arc at least three other possibil-

ities. These arc Mr W. J. Polson, Mr W. D. Taverner, thc Mayor of Dunedin, and Sir Joseph Ward. Whether Mr R. R. Masters, who is to take the chair at thc conference,, would accept such a post is unknown, but if he is willing he stands a good chance of election. However, it is considered that thc field may be narrowed down to Sir Joseph Ward and Mr Taverner. The latter has considerable standing within the party which has been very impressed by him.

A feature of the conference will be the arrival of the northern contingent. A special railway carriage has been reserved for the candidates of thc Auckland district.