Liberal waka-jumps to Reform

Wellington (From our correspondent): Recently I hinted that another of the old Liberals would soon be found announcing that he would henceforth support the Reform Party.he member referred to was Mr Vigor Brown, the member for Napier. Mr Brown, in his election manifesto, now says that he has much pleasure in definitely stating his intention for the future of supporting the Reform Party.  “This,” he says, “is no new departure in policy on my part. After my entry into 
Parliament I gave a consistent support to Sir Joseph Ward and the Liberal Party. On the retirement of Sir Joseph Ward from the leadership of the Liberal Party I publicly announced that I would not follow the leadership of Mr Wilford, and I was not alone amongst the Liberals in that attitude. ‘‘The Liberal Party with which I have recently been associated is not true to brand. Its present policy embodies Socialism of an experimental and disturbing character, and it is too much inclined to coquette with extreme Labour for party advantage. On the ether hand, Mr Massey has not shown any disposition to repeal the progressive and beneficial legislation passed by the Seddon and Ward Governments, but on the contrary is extending and broadening it. For the most part the present Reform Government is not the Government I formerly opposed.’’

 

Labour’s policies aired

The Dunedin Central branch of the Labour Party held a public meeting in the Mornington Council Chambers last Monday night. The candidate, Mr Gilchrist, gave an address, dealing with proportional representation, a State bank with sole right of note issue, national endowment of motherhood and extension of the pension system to include all who are either blind or incapacitated in any shape or form whatsoever.

 

Romanian coronation

Bucharest, October 16: The historical capital of Transylvania was the scene of remarkable pageantry during the crowning of King Ferdinand and Queen Marie. All day long there were dazzling spectacles, the splendour of the East being mingled with the dignified ceremonial of the West. The Duke of York represented Great Britain, Queen Elizabeth Greece, and Prince Paul Serbia. The Italian crown prince and other royalties were present, also Marshal Foch. The Rumanian Queen and King received a tumultuous reception as they drove to the Cathedral, three squadrons of aeroplanes buzzing overhead. As they left the church their Majesties were greeted by 500 officers, each carrying the regimental colours. Their Majesties mounted a canopied dais. Behind the dais were the church dignitaries and the troops. Just before the crowning, scores of countrymen dressed in sheepskins penetrated the ranks of the soldiers who were lined up beside the dais, their wives and daughters singing Rumanian folk songs. When the singing had ended the President brought the iron crown. After the King had crowned himself, the Queen knelt and the King placed on her head a crown of gold, diamonds, rubies, and emeralds amid the cheers of 50,000 people and a salute of 101 guns.

 

— ODT, 18.10.1922; compiled by Peter Dowden.