NATIONAL PARTY

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20958, 10 November 1939, Page 7

NATIONAL PARTY

ALL=DAY CAUCUS SERIOUS POLITICAL ISSUES ATTITUDE DURING WAR (»y Telesrraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Thursday A caucus of National Party members lasting throughout the day was held in Parliament Buildings to-day, when the Government’s recent legislation and administration was discussed. “The caucus fully realised the importance and responsibility of the Opposition at such a critical time as this,” said the Leader, the Hon. A. Hamilton, in an interview after the caucus tonight. “We have decided to hold a further caucus of the party in the first week in December. Everywhere the seriousness of the political issues of the day is being realised. The vigilance of the Opposition is more than ever necessary since advantage was taken by the Government, and is still being taken, to implement the policy of State Socialism under the cloak of the war emergency. This advantage reveals a complete lack of unity in the country as a basis for the supreme war effort required. Political Propaganda “Expression of opinion at the caucus today emphasised that the Opposition, representing a vast expression of opinion, has already pledged its wholehearted support of the Government in war work, and is giving that support. It will continue to support war work in spite of political difficulties. The caucus was equally emphatic that the public should be aware that this in no way effects political activities by the party, which, following the lead given in this by the Labour Party, will continue. “There has been some confusion about this latter point,” added Mr Hamilton. “One of the first things the Government did after the outbreak of war was to urge, through its official organ, the maintenance of political activity at full pressure. The unprecedented use of the radio, national and commercial stations, for political propaganda and purely party advancement, is one phase of which everyone must be aware today.”