RANKS OF LABOUR

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 192, 10 May 1940, Page 5

RANKS OF LABOUR

Need For Unity Stressed Dominion Special Service. NAPIER, May 9. The need for unity in the Labour Party to combat disruptive elements was urged by the M.P. for Gisborne, .Mr. Coleman, when he addressed a largely-attended meeting of the Taradale branch of the party, some executive members of which recently resigned. Mr. Coleman traced the actions of Mr. Lee in. his attacks on the late Prime Minister, culminating iu his expulsion from the party at the annual conference, and his subsequent proceedings at caucus following the death of Mr. Savage and the appointment of Mr. Eraser as Prime Minister. "It. is a mistake to be loyal to an individual to the detriment of the party,” said Mr. Coleman. "We became members. not because of a man, but for the principle for which Labour stood, and if one man stands out it is a mistake for his sympathizers to forsake all they previously upheld.” Mr. Coleman referred to Mr. Barnard as being the only one who did not vote at the caucus when Mr. Coleman moved an expression of confidence in the new Prime Minister and the Government. The motion was carried without dissentient, he said, but Mr. Barnard alone did not vote. He was not prepared to give the Prime. Minister courtesy or support. Mr. Barnard was now using the old party cry used so often by the Opposition —union bosses and trades union domination. Mr. Barnard was never an industrialist. The new Democratic Labour Pjirty would die as the last Democratic Party. Before the last Democratic Party went to the country there were two iu the House, but after the election there was none. At present there were two, but after the next election there would be none. The following resolution was adopted : "That this meeting of the Taradale branch of the Labour Party congratulate Mr. Eraser on his appointment. as leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister of New Zealand, and pledges unswerving loyalty and support to the Government in maintaining and implementing Labour’s policy.”