PARTY'S STAR RISING

Chronicle (Levin), 8 March 1949, Page 5

PARTY'S STAR RISING

Press Association )

Mr. Holland Speaks Of His Northern Tour .

(Per

WELLINGTON, Marcli 7. Four Auckland seats at present held by the Government — Otahuhu, Koskiil, North Shore and Tamaki — will, in the opinion of the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Holland, provide the key to the state of the Parties after the next general election. He also considers that a seat'his Party has the brightest chance of recapturing is Raglan. Mr. Holland who returned to Wellington today after a tour of the Waikato, Auckland and North Auckland areas, said there was every indication that the National Party would substantially improve its position. Everywhere he visited he found an atmosphere of eonfidence "and determination to make 1949 the most successful year in the National Party 's history. Mr. Holland said it was intended to contest all 80 seats throughout the Dominion and so far as he knew, all sitting National mem bers, with the exception of Mr. J. R. Hanan (Invercargill), would again be candidates. Y One of the outstanding impressions of his tour, said Mr. Holland, was of the greatly increased interest of womenfolk and yonng people in political issues. He had been pleasantly surprised to note the change of heart among many Maori people who wTere up against the steadily mounting cost of living and difficulty in obtaining supplies. Womenfolk found that as the result of the tremendous increase in living costs, they seemed to be no better off than formerly even with higher wages. Other factors which were building up a demand for a change of Government, were the inability of the Labour Government to main,tain peace in industry and prevent defiance of the law. Mr. Holland who leaves for Christchurch tonight, will sail for Australia on Thursday week, returning to the Dominion early in May. Mr. K. J. Holyoake M.R will be aeting lcader of the Party during Mr. Holland 's absence.