Mr. Holland Optimistic But Not Over-Confident

Chronicle (Levin), 10 September 1949, Page 5

Mr. Holland Optimistic But Not Over-Confident

Press Association )

(Per

DUNEDIN, Sept, V. Wednesday November 30 was put forward as a.possible date for the General Election by-the Leadervof the Opposition (Mr Holland) in answer to a question tonight. "The date of the-ejection has not been diselosed, " Mr ''Holland said, "but : the Prime Minister (Mr Fraser) prohiised to release the .date to me as soon as it had been deeided on. "Taking into nonsideration the present position o'f the session and thc amount of wprk that remaina t.o .be done,, I may ;not.be far off'the inark if." I suggest Wednesday November 30," Discussing Jhe prospects of the Na tional Parf/y '' in the forthcoming eleetions" Mr -Holland said that prep/irtions, were well adVanced. The party's policy committee would meet in Wellington at the weekend, and he expeeted as a result of its deliberations the policy would be advanced a considerable stage. The selection of National Party can didates had almost been completed, Mr Holland saidr All the new candidates as w;ell . as the 38 sitting members who wonld be contesting their seats woula attend a three-day conferenee in about a fortnight's time. Mr Holland said it was cheering to know |hat the membership of the party was growing so rapidly. "There has been a greater growth in membership during the last four months than in any' previous six 'months in the "history of the party. ' ' ' Questioned concerning prospects, Mr Holland said there was no greater danger in politics than over-confidence. and complacency. A good many people, he said, were taking a change of government for granted. TheTe was a considerable danger" in this attitude. It could not be denied that the partys prospects were-undoubtedly brighter than ever before, but there was still the job of winning the election. 1 ' We must leave the shouting until the victory is won, " he said. ^