PARTY LEADER

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21280, 26 November 1940, Page 6

PARTY LEADER

MR S. G. HOLLAND CHOSEN OPPOSITION CAUCUS WAR CABINET QUESTION MEMBERS ASKED TO CONTINUE (By Telegraph—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Tuesday Mr S. G. Holland, National Member of Parliament for Christchurch North since 1935, has been appointed Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives. This decision was reached by a caucus of Parliamentary members of the National Party which commenced yesterday and concluded this morning. The ballot was a secret one but the selection was afterward endorsed by open vote. At the con-

elusion of the caucus the following statement was issued:— “ The National Party caucus this morning selected Mr S. G. Holland as the new leader. A ballot resulted in Mr Holland’s selection by a clear majority, and the selection was then endorsed in open vote. Mr Holland takes over his new duties and will lead the party in the House when Parliament reassembles this afternoon.” War Cabinet Representative National Party representations on the War Cabinet, which was one of the principal aspects of the question under discussion by the caucus, was settled by unanimous approval of the following resolution: “ This caucus of the Parliamentary Opposition unanimously endorses the appointment of the Hon. A. Hamilton and the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates in the War Cabinet, and asks them to continue in office and records its high appreciation of the work they have rendered to New Zealand and the Empire as members of the War Cabinet.” Mr Hamilton's Services The following appreciation of Mr Hamilton’s services was also unanimously endorsed: “ This caucus of the Parliar mentary Opposition places on record its deep appreciation of the sterling, self-sacrificing services rendered to the party by Mr Hamilton as Leader of the Opposition during four arduous year % in which through his inspiring work, strength and prestige the party has steadily grc#/n.” NEW LEADER’S ABILITY INDUSTRIAL KNOWLEDGE Mr Sidney George Holland, member for Christchurch North, has, during his years in Parliament, forced his way to the forefront. He has an expert knowledge of industrial and commercial subjects, and, as a successful manufacturer, he is qualified to express opinion on trade questions. Mr Holland’s ability had been tested prior to his election to Parliament in 1935. when he received the highest number of votes recorded by any National Party candidate in New Zealand. The services of Mr Holland are in demand as a public speaker, and he has addressed audiences in ali oarts of New Zealand. He has the distinction of being the only National member of the present Parliament to be sent overseas by the Government, having been a member of the Parliamentarv delegation to visit the Cook Islands for the purpose of investigating the fruit industry. Mr Holland served on the Parliamentary Select Committee to investigate the Government’s Social Security proposals, and he played a leading part in tne drafting of the minority report, which has been adopted as a plank in the National Party policy. Although still in his middle forties, Mr Holland has had considerable experience in public service, having Deep for three years president of the Canterbury Employer s’ Association, vice-president of Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, president of the Businessmen’s Club, chairman of the Citizens’ Association. In the House of Representatives he acted as Parliamentary secretary to the Hon. A. Hamilton. Mr Holland has travelled extensively in America, Australia, and elsewhere. He was manager of the 1932 New Zealand hockey team on its Australian tour, during which it did not lose a single game.