NEW LEADER

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 39, 26 November 1940, Page 6

NEW LEADER

MR S. G. HOLLAND ELECTED.

NATIONAL CAUCUS) DECISION.

CLEAR MAJORITY OF VOTES.

(Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, This Day

Mr S. G. Holland, National member 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 was concluded this morning. The ballot was a secret one, but the selection was afterwards endorsed by open vote. At the conclusion, of the caucus the following statement was issued: “The National Party caucus this morning selected Mr ’Holland as its new leader. The ballot resulted in Mr Holland’s selection by a clear majority. 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.” “The National Party representation on the War Cabinet, which was one of the principal aspects of the question under discussion bv the caucus, was settled by unanimous approval of the following resolution: ‘ This caucus of the Parliamentary Opposition unanimously endorses the appointment of the Hein. 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.’

“The following appreciation of Mr Hamilton’s services was also unanimously endorsed: ‘ This caucus of the Parliamentary Opposition places on record its deep appreciation of the sterling self-sacrificing services rendered to the party hv Mr Hamilton,as Leader of the Opposition during four arduous years in which, through his inspiring work the strength and prestige of the party has steadily grown.’ ”