NATIONAL PARTY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 June 1940, Page 6

NATIONAL PARTY

MEETING OF DOMINION COUNCIL. COLONEL WESTON RETIRING FROM PRESIDENCY. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. The Dominion Council of the National Party met in Wellington yesterday where there were representatives present from the five divisional councils. Colonel C. H. Weston, K.C., presided. Discussion centred on the best way in which the members of the party could help in the war effort, as all present were agreed that during the war party politics should be subservient to a national war effort. From all districts reports were received of the activity of branches in looking after the interests of enlisted men, the collection of funds for patriotic purchases, and assisting in recruiting.

The following resolution was carried: “That the Dominion Council of the New Zealand National Party expresses its admiration of the spirit actuating those of the three services fighting for the Empire’s cause, a spirit reaching the heights of inspiration in its courage and self-sacrifice.” During the luncheon adjournment, the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Hamilton, spoke to the council, after which the following resolution was carried: “That the Dominion Council of the National Party pledges its enthusiastic support of the efforts of Mr Hamilton to achieve national unity.” After Colonel Weston had intimated his definite intention of relinquishing the presidency of the party: enthusiastic references were made by divisional representatives to the great work carried out by the retiring president since the inception of the party, his great ability and tact having contributed in a very large measure to the formation and organisation of the party. .