CONSERVATIVE PARTY.

Waikato Times, Volume 108, Issue 18163, 30 October 1930, Page 8

CONSERVATIVE PARTY.

SOMETHING MYSTERIOUS. SIGNATORIES DISCLAIMERS. NO KNOWLEDGE OF MEETING. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. (Received October 30, 1.5 p.m.) LONDON, October 29. Sir Alfred Knox, speaking at the Conservative meeting, said he had signed a statement referred to tho Party Leadership,' but had not intended the statement for the press. It was designed that the. statement should be communicated to Mr Stanley Baldwin through the chief Whip. Thus far five of the alleged signatories, beside Colonel Gretton, have dissociated themselves from the document. Four declare they : were not aware that a meeting had been held.

UNAUTHORISED AND INCORRECT. CHANGE OF LEADERSHIP. COLONEL GRETTON’S DENIAL. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. (Received October 30, 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, October 29. Colonel . Gretton, who presided at the meeting of. Conservative members ol' the House of Commons, held yesterday, declared the statement that 44 Conservative members have demanded a .change of leadership, was unauthorised and incorrect. He declined to discuss details.

MR BALDWIN PREPARED.

WILL FACE THE ISSUE.

LONDON, October 28

The revolt of the 44 Conservatives against Mr Baldwin’s leadership increases enormously .the importance of to-morrow’s meeting. The news reached the press late, therefore no editorial comment .is made, blit the Daily Telegraph’s political editor says he understands Mr Baldwin is fully prepared to face not only the issue of the party’s policy, but that of his own leadership. Mr Baldwin will vacate the chair while, the . personal, subject is discussed, says the writer, and it is expected that the Marquess of Salisbury will thferi preside., Mr Baldwin undoubtedly will resign if the vote is unfavourable to jiim.