NATIONAL PARTY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 March 1941, Page 7

NATIONAL PARTY

OPPOSITION MEMBERS CAUCUS IN WELLINGTON. WAR SITUATION DISCUSSED. ißy Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. A caucus of the Parliamentary Opposition was held in Parliament Buildings yesterday. Every member was present or accounted for. A full discussion ensued covering the entire situation since last session, and arrangements were made concerning the business to be transacted during the forthcoming session of Parliament. The increasing gravity of the war situation and the urgency of measures for the defence of New Zealand were questions which occupied much of the time of the caucus. After hearing reports from Mr Coates and Mr Hamilton, members of the War Cabinet, the caucus decided again to affirm its belief in the necessity for a national Government.

The meat situation was fully discussed and a special committee was appointed to investigate the whole position and to explore every avenue of meeting the extremely complex position facing the farmers of New Zealand. The Leader of the Opposition. Mr Holland, reported fully on the negotiations that led up to the amalgamation of political parties, and complete satisfaction was expressed at. the successful results of the negotiations. It was decided to forward a message of congratulation to Mr J. Allen. M.P. for Hauraki, on his promotion to the rank of lieutenant-coionel on active service. z It was also decided to send a, message of sympathy to Mr Kidd. M.P. for Waitaki, in his serious illness and to wish him a complete and speedy recovery. NORTHERN SEATS. CANDIDATES CHOSEN. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, March 6. The sele'ction of National Party candidates to contest seats at the forthcoming general election is already in progress. The party in the Franklin district has chosen the sitting member, Mr J. N. Massey, to contest the seat again. To contest the Auckland East seat, at present held for Labour by Mr Schramm, the National Party has selected Mr H. T. Merritt, Auckland. Mr Merritt unsuccessfully stood for the Auckland East seat in 1938. He has four sons serving in the present war. Two are officers with the navy and two have commissions in the British Army.