ANTI-HIGH EXCHANGE

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXVIII, Issue 31, 28 January 1933, Page 5

ANTI-HIGH EXCHANGE

A Party Proposed

HON. W. I). STEWART’S ATTITUDE

NO AMBITION FOR LEADERSHIP

In spite of representations made to him, both from inside Parliament and out of it, there appears to be no ambition on the part of the Hon. W. Downie Stewart to lead a party in opposition to the Government’s high exchange policy.

It is learned that five members of Parliament waited on the ex-Minister yesterday to discuss the political situation in the light of his own resignation from the Ministry, and it is understood informal discussions trended toward a suggestion that he should consider leading either a new party or a group within the Coalition Party itself, with a view to organis-

ing effective opposition to the exchange decision. The members who waited on Mr. Stewart were: Mr. A. Harris (Waitemata), Mr. H. Holland (Christchurch North), Mr. A. J. Stallworthy (Eden), Mr. W. A. Veitch (Wanganui), and Mr. R. A. Wright (Wellington Suburbs), all of whom, with the possible exception of Mr. Holland, are expected to record their votes against the Government on the exchange issue.

It is gathered that, for various reasons, partly personal and partly political, Mr. Stewart indicated that he was not willing to lead a party on the lines suggested. Although he

has parted company with Cabinet, Mr Stewart, it is understood, does not desire to become a disruptive element, particularly in view of the critical phase through which the Dominion is passing. Further, Mr. Stewart is not in robust health, and is not altogether sorry to be rid of executive responsibilities for. a little time. It is known that a group of Wellington businessmen have also solicited the leadership of Mr. Stewart, with a view to ensuring that commercial interests should secure effective expression in Parliament. It is understood that an undertaking was

given to organise a new party under his leadership, but Mr. Stewart felt compelled to decline the invitation. Under the circumstances, the prospect of forming a new party composed of Coalitionists opposed to exchange inflation does not appear very bright. In any case it would probably not be correct to state .that

every member who waited on Mr. Stewart would have been a recruit. The discussion was an informal one, in which the possibility of forming a grou « or party was mentioned.