Mr. Holland Delighted

Chronicle (Levin), 1 December 1949, Page 7

Mr. Holland Delighted

CHRISTCHURCH, Nov. 30. "I am nktnrally delighted with the vesult of the poll," said Mr. S. G. Holland, Leader of the National Party. "The voters have shown their conhdence in us. They have aceepted the National Party 's policy and personnel and it'will now be our constant endeavour to show that their trust has not been misplaced. "I recognise tliat the compliment paid me in being elected as head of the new National Party Government, is the greatest which it is within the power. of my fellow countrymen to bestow. I can only say that I accept this high honour ahd responsibility with a profound sense of humility and with a sincere determination to spare nc efforc or pers'onal sacriiice in meeting the responsibilities it entails. "Our only purpose as the new Gov ernment will be to serve what we consider to be- the best interests of all sections of the people. ' While there will be changes in lind with our clearly expressed policy, it will be our aim to bring these changes about smoothiy and with as little disturbance as possible. We have only one aim and desire — and that is to maintain prosperity and production at the highest level in order that the people of all ciasses will enjoy those advantages.

"There is one thing I must say at the outset and that is that close and enduring relationships with Britain and, with other countries of the Empire, will be one of the governing principles to be followed. We hold that the mainten ance of a strong and undivided Briti^h Empire is of paramount importance noonly to Empire countries but also in the interests of world peace and stability. Services Acknowledged "The National Party may regard this victory with justiliable pride for it represents the culmination of" several ycars of preparation and organisation. I wish'to acknowledge the services rendered by our party workers. throughout New Zealand. These good people whose numbers run into many thousand, have laboured hard and unselfishly and with patriotic zeal in order to bring about this rCsult. It is with a full heart that I acknowledge their indispensable contribution to our victory. To all Party ofhcials and candidates (successful and otherwise), I send my greetings and thanks. Many of our candidates stood against heavy odds but this did not deter them. " It is very gratifying to reflect that although this result. represents a milestone in our politieal history, the whole election campaign was conducted in an exceptio'nally good spirit with -*no untoward ineidents. Credit for that be long=f to the candidates of both parties.

On such an oecasion it is inevitable that whenever sonieone wins, someorie else loses. We, the victors, on this ccasion, should have sonie thought for those who are the losers for they too fought wel-1. Tribute to Mr. Fraser "In particular I wish to pay my respects to my worthy opponent, the Rt. Hon. Peter Fraser, who will always coniniand adiniration for the tenacitv with which he has led his Party. Mr. Fraser has been a very hard-working Prime Minister and it must afford hini no small satisfaction at this time to look back upon the 14 years during which his Party has held office. We necessarily disagree with mueh that has been done but at the same time we acknowledge that the Labour Govrnment leaves behind it much that will endure. "1 am sorry we shall have no Maori members on our side on the House but the Maori electors need not fear that their interests will not be sympatheticallv studied by the ftew Government. We acknowledge their rights of citizenship and as far as .we are concerned they will be on the same footing as all other sections of the community. "A change of Government is a momentous event. I will be fortihed in the tasks ahead by the loyalty of a splendid and devoted team of colleagues to whose members have now been added a nuinber of most useful and promising new members. ' '