NATIONAL PARTY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 April 1940, Page 7

NATIONAL PARTY

WELLINGTON DIVISIONAL CONFERENCE EXPRESSION OF CONFIDENCE IN LEADER. SUBORDINATION OF INTERNAL ISSUES. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. Delegates from all the electorates in the Wellington division of the New Zealand National Party —from as far north as Gisborne Taumarunui and New Plymouth and as far south as Nelson. Motueka and Marlborough—me: in Wellington yesterday for their annual conference. The principal business apart from consideration -of the past year's work and the planning of the year's work ahead comprised a discussion of the party's affairs with the Leader, Mr. Hamilton, who addressed the conference. The Dominion president. Colonel C. H. Weston, K.C.. also spoke and was present at the conference's deliberations. Remits dealing with various topical subjects were considered.

There were more than 100 delegates, at the conference, over which Mr. Cheviot Bell presided. In presenting his annual report Mr. Bell said that the past year had been one of great activity in the division and the consolidation and progress had been remarkable. The single problem that had previously engaged the attention of the party—the restoration of sound government for all sections of thci people on a basis of stable and lasting prosperity—still existed today. However, that must now take second place to the major problem of winning the war. No internal problem could be even of significance compared with this. A united Empire, or "My England right, or wrong," must take precedence today in all deliberations in a Dominion such as New Zealand, which claimed to be a loyal child of the Mother Country. Mr. Bell referred to the recognition of this and to the splendid response to the Emipre's cause that had been made by members of the staff of the party and of the party alike to this major call of duty. In his address to the conference in the morning. Mr. Hamilton dealt at length with the national, and political situation. He said that as the result of four enlistments, those of Messrs. L Hargest, A. N. Grigg, J. M. Allen and T. L. Macdonald, the Parliamentary debating strength would be depleted in the coming session, but he knew that he would receive immediate response from the remaining members to carry the extra load. Mr. Hamilton referred in particular to the regular series of caucuses that had been held by the Opposition ever since the House had been adjourned' more than six months ago. This form of intensifying the consideration of the country's affairs had been both democratic and effective. 'lt also demonstrated the splendid' team spirit that imbued the National Party in the House. “Democracy means that Parliament governs and that the people have the opportunity to hear both sides of the story, whatever it may be.” said Mr. Hamilton, in criticising the action of the Government in not calling Parliament together for such a long period, and for "its most undemocratic and unfair use of the broadcasting systems throughout that period." A vote of confidence in Mr. Hamilton as leader, and in the work of his colleagues was carried by the conference. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following officers were elected: Divicional chairman: Mr. J. H. McIlroy, Wellington South. Divisional executive: Mr. D. C. Armstrong, Wellington East; Mr. D. Clark, Wellington Central; Mr. E. Grant Taylor. Hutt; Mrs. H. I. Graves, Wellington North; Mr. J. S. Hanna, Wellington West; Mr. D. P. Howlett, Wellington South; Mr. E. M. Wylie, Wellington Suburbs: Mr. G. A. Carter, Stratford; Mr. S. S. Fleming, Marlborough: Mr. L. J. Fairbrother, Wairarapa; Mr. J. Jameson, Masterton; Mr. J. J. Maher. Wairarapa; Mr. H. G. Mills. Palmerston North; Mr. B. McLeod. Manawatu: Mr. R. Tapper, Waipawa: Mrs. J. Livingston, Pahiatua; Mrs. Kaye. Stratford; Mr. C. W. D. Bell. Dominion vice-president: Mr. H. Hill. Wellington West; Mr. J. T. Martin. Wellington West; Mr. H. F. Toogood. Wellington North; Mr. A. Marshall. Hutt: "Mr. W. A. Veitch Wellington Suburbs.

Dominion councillors: Mr. C. G. E. Harker, Waipawa: Mr. G. A. Cartel'. Stratford; Mr. L. J. Fairbrother. Wairarapa; Mr. A. G. Russell. Nelson; Mr. B. McLeod, Manawatu: Mrs. T. R. Barrer. Masterton.