PARTY POLITICS

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21372, 17 March 1941, Page 4

PARTY POLITICS

SHOULD BE DROPPED MERGER REPUDIATED PEOPLE’S MOVEMENT (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Monday Unanimous approval of the public statement made by the Auckland division of the People’s Movement, repudiating the alleged merger with the National Party, was expressed by a meeting of members of the Dominion executive and representatives of committees of the movement on Friday. With one exception all sections of the movement in New Zealand were represented. The chairman, Mr James Crisp, of Auckland, said that the meeting had decided that it was absolutely necessary for the movement to continue and that it should conduct an immediate and intensive campaign throughout New Zealand. Headquarters will remain in Wellington and Mr A. E. Davy is continuing as Dominion organiser.

Mr Crisp said that the recent manoeuvring over the question of a National Government and the general election showed clearly that party expediency was the chief consideration. Such tactics were conducive to obbstruction and weakening the war effort. Party strife should cease at once and a National Government formed. There should also be an immediate announcement about the elections being postponed, said Mr Crisp. The domestic policies of both parties should be dropped and a War Council set up comprising the best brains in the country from inside and outside the House of Representatives. MERGER DEFENDED i “APPROVED BY EXECUTIVE” | FORMER PRESIDENT’S COMMENT (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Monday ! “In completing the negotiations for ! the merger of the People’s Movement ; with the National Party, I acted with j the unanimous approval of the Doj minion executive,” Mr E. R. Toop, ! the late President of the Movement, ! who arranged the merger with Mr I S. G. Holland, Leader of the OppsoI tion said to-day. | “I am, moreover, convinced that ; the arrangement that has been concluded has the overwhelming support of our members and supporters. Mr Holland's advocacy of a National Government after the election is fully in keeping with the unification ideals of the People's Movement and for less party politics in Government. “If any members cannot accept the position they are fully entitled to lake what action they like, but I fail to see how any further disruption can achieve the unity for which we were working.”