FULL OF INTEREST.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 282, 27 November 1940, Page 3

FULL OF INTEREST.

FOUR YEARS' WORK. MR. HAMILTON'S COMMENT. (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Tuesday. "I lay down the burden of my task at the request of my colleagues without any regrets at the steepness of the grade the party has faced and climbed successfully," said the retiring Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. A. Hamilton, in an interview to-night. "My four years of leadership of the National party from the depths of defeat have been full of interest. "I look back on my service grateful above all for the magnificent support I have had from real friends in all districts, from the North Cape to Stewart Island," Mr. Hamilton continued. "There, are few places I have not visited during my four years as leader, and the loyalty of my many friends has been an inspiration. I trust I shall lay aside the office I have held secure in the knowledge that, within the bounds of my ability, I have put first at all times high ideais for the good government of New Zealand. "With the support of staunch friends, the Opposition has built on a sound foundation, and I would not be human if I did not feel some pride in its continuous progress during t-he four years. The relief from my position as Leader of the Opposition will enable me to give my absolutely undivided attention to the work of the War Cabinet, which every day becomes more urgent and important." Mr. Hamilton said he appreciated the tribute that had been paid him by his colleagues in confirming both the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates and himself in their War Cabinet posts, and he promised friends and people everywhere that all that was possible would be done by them both to see that co-operation in Ne.w Zealand's section of the war effort in support of the Mother Country in her dire hour of trial was 100 per cent. "Our first task to-day is the war effort and our first aim victory," Mr. Hamilton concluded.