NOT RESIGNING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 April 1940, Page 7

NOT RESIGNING

—— MR BARNARD ADDRESSES ELECTORS. WHY HE LEFT THE LABOUR' PARTY. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) NAPIER, April 23. Strong opposition to many aspects of the Labour Government's policy was expressed by Mr Barnard, M.P. for Napier, who recently resigned from the party, at a public meeting tonight, which he had called to explain the reasons for the steps which he had taken. He informed the meeting that he did not see why he should comply with the request of the national executive of the party to resign the Napier seat, and said he would submit himself to the electors at the appointed time. The meeting was by no means in accord with all Mr Barnard had to say, and he was called on to deal with many interjections, which al no time however, got out of hand. “I stand to the policy on which you have elected me to Parliament.” said Mr Barnard. “It is not I who have run away from that policy. It is others who were pledged to the electors equally with me. Why, therefore, should I resign? I will submit myself to your judgment at the appointed time, and Ministers and members alike will have to do the same, and justify, their conduct. “I shall continue as before to work to the best of my ability and with all my energy to realise the aims and ideals of the Labour movement, winning this desperate war and building peace. But I shall do so as a free man —a believer in democracy, the enemy of dictation, and a. good New Zealander. The reception which was given Mr Barnard at the conclusion of his addross was mixed, boos and a cry of “traitor” being mixed with cheering. Mr J. A. Leo was presold, at the meeting.