PM wrong say local Nationals

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 34, 12 February 1985, Page 1

PM wrong say local Nationals

The silent majority of people in New Zealand do not agree with the Government's ban on American nuclear-powered and nuclear-armed ships and they should make their voices heard.

This is the view of the Raetihi/ Ohakune branch of the National Party and to underline the point the branch has voted unanimously to write to their party leader, Mr Jim McLay. The letter expresses "their "real concern" over the damage which has been done to the ANZUS treaty and the deterioration of New Zealand's relationship with the United States. The motion to send the letter was proposed by Chairman of Raetihi Borough Council, Mr Garrick Workman, during the branch's annual general meeting last week. The meeting was attended by deputy leader of the National Party and King Country M.P., Mr Jim Bolger, who is this week in Hawaii to be briefed by U.S. military officials. Mr Bolger told last week's meeting, held in Ohakune Borough Council ehamber, that in his view the Labour policy has no morality. "They want the benefit of the ANZUS pact, which relies on nuclear-armed, nuclear-powered and cer-

tainly nuclear-capable ships. "They are quite happy to have those ships out there and have New Zealanders go out to exercise with them, as in the now cancelled 'Sea Eagle' exercise, but they don't want to see them!" "The policy is morally corrupt," he conclucied. Members o'f the Raetihi/ Ohakune branch expressed their concern to Mr Bolger that the Labour Governrpent's stand on the nuclear issue could effect trade between the two countries — particularly current lucrative beef exports. Mr Bolger commented that he did not think the United States would publicly impose trade bans on New Zealand, "but they have unlimited options to be unhelpful." At a local level, Mr Bolger thanked branch Chairman, Mr Ian Enright and his team for last year's efforts during the election campaign. "The result was excellent and a tribute to the members," he said. Mr Alan Bradbury, Chairman of the King Country

electorate, stated that the Raetihi / Ohakune branch was the strongest of the thirty plus branches in the King Country. Speaking about Mr Bolger, Mr Bradbury said he had made no secret of his support for him during the party leadership race as he felt he would have been the right person to lead National back to victory. Despite stating that he wished to stand down as Chairman of the branch, Ian Enright reluctantly agreed to continue for a further year as no one else at the meeting would agree to take onthejob. Ian, has held the top post for six years.

He said, "I feel someone has to face up to the responsibility and take the job. I will very, very reluctantly take on the job again, but I give fair warning you will have to find someone for next year." Mr Doug Bennett was elected Deputy Chairrtian and Mr Gerald Olds agreed to take on the job of Secretary again. Mrs Mary Wright, Mrs Jennifer Godfrey, Mr Wig Whale, Mr Winston Oliver, Mrs T. Bennett and Mr Richard Godfrey were voted onto the committee and they were given the power to coopt other branch members onto the committee during the year.