WORK FOR UNITY

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 172, 23 July 1942, Page 6

WORK FOR UNITY

MR. HOLLAND'S ACTION

ENDORSEMENT BY PARTY

P.A.) WELLINGTON, this day.

"I still retain the view that it would have been better to have had a National Government but, in the absence of a truly National Government, this is the best arrangement that was possible under the circumstances, and it is better than any alternative. I will accept my share of the responsibility," said the"Leader of the Opposition and deputy-Chair-man of the War Cabinet, Mr. Holland, when speaking of the new war administration at the National party conference.

While he welcomed criticism, Mr. Holland said he laid it down as a formula that it must be fair and above board, and above the belt. Before meeting the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, he had made a quick survey of the feeling in New Zealand, and no one wanted an election. There was no objection to negotiations with Mr. Fraser. At the time of the negotiations the New Zealand troops were moving into battle, and it was plainly not a time to talk about elections.

The new administration was not ideal, but it should be given a fair trial. Mr. Holland added that he did not think the life of Parliament would be extended beyond a year, unless there was a clear expression of public opinion that there should be a further postponement. The conference carried a resolution endorsing the action of Mr. Holland in working for national unitv, and affirmed loyalty to him as leader, and pledged support to the war administration so that it would have a fair chance to prove itself.