WHO IS THE LEADER?

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 198, 24 August 1935, Page 10

WHO IS THE LEADER?

| SECRECY IN DEMOCRAT CAMP i.MR. T. C. a. HISLOP. LIKELY I I CONFERENCE BREAKS UP. [ Per Press Association. 1 WELLINGTON, Aug. 21. The conference of Democrat Party candidates and prospective candidates, which has been sitting since Wednesday, concluded about 2 o’clock this afternoon. Throughout the proceedings the greatest secrecy as to the actions of the conference has been observed, and the same state of affairs existed to-day. No statement has been made to the Press rpgardirg the selection of a leader, but it is generally reported that choice has fallen on the Mayor of Wellington. Mr. T. C. A. Hislop, whose name has been closely associated with the Party for some weeks and who presided over the greater part of the conference deliberations. Sir Alexander Herdman did not attend the meeeting at any stage and it is understood that he forwarded a letter to the conference, but the contents have not been divulged to the Press. The conference usually aQjourns at 12.45 p.m., but to-day it was nearly 2 o’clock before there was any indication that the meeting intended to disperse. It is understood that the delegates were awaiting the arrival of a certain individual before breaking up. but evidently to the conclusion that they had gone far enough past the luncheon hour. Shortly before 2 o’clock much hand-clapping was audible from the conference room; and then the National Anthem was sung, the door opened and the delegates began to file out. At this stage, Mr. Hislop stepped out of the lift and arrived outside the conference room. He appeared nonplussed to find the conference just breaking up. As he stood near the doorway members of the conference shook hands with him as. they left the room. * The Dominion organiser. Mr. A. E. , Davy, was asked if he could say who had been selected as leader, but he declined to make any statement. “That will be included in a statement to be issued ’’ he said, “and, at the same time, a list of candidates will be given.”

ORGANISER’S REPORT SUCCESSFUL CONFERENCE POLICY BEING PREPARED ( Ter Press Association. ) WELLINGTON, Aug. 23. Interviewed to-day Mr. Davy, Dominion organiser of the Democrat Party, said that the statement regarding the leadship of the party, the policy to be submitted to th-e electors, and the list of candidates would probably be announced on Monday. The conference would set up a small committee to draft a statement at the close of the conference to-day, and the organisers from various districts would meet to discuss plans for the coming campaign. week there will be a meeting in Wellington c-f the Dornin ion executive of the party. He said that the parky would gu to the polls at full strength. No i’illieuily had been experienced in securing suitable candidates. The conference had been most successful, and there had been a full discussion uf the various political problems. GOVERNMENT DEFENDED MK. MACMILLAN'S ADDRESS. EKETAHUNA, Aug. 23. The Hon. C. E. Macmillan (Minister of Agriculture) in an address at Eketahuna last night, dealt in particular with the Government’s actions for relieving the crisis facing the farmers, and in a closely reasoned speech justified the steps taken in the interests of the whole community. He also quoted various returns showing signs of definite im provements in the country's affairs.