NATIONAL PARTY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 124, 7 March 1941, Page 8

NATIONAL PARTY.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SESSION ft (P.A.) AVFJLiLINGTON, March 6. A caucus of the Parliamentary Opposition was held in Parliament Buildings to-day. [Discussions covered the entire situation since the last session. Arrangements were made concerning t*he business to ho transacted during the forthcoming session. The increasing gravity of the war situation and the urgency of’-measures for the defence of New Zealand were questions which occupied much time. After hearing reports from the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates and; the Hon. A. Hamilton the caucus decided again to affirm its belief in the necessity for a National Government. The meat situation was fully discussed. A special committed was appointed to explore every avenue of meeting the position facing the farmers of New Zealand. The Leader (Mr S'. G. Holland) reported fully on the negotiations that led up to the amalgamation of political parties. Complete satisfaction was expressed at the successful results. - TWO CANDIDATES SELECTED (P.A.) AUCKLAND', March C>. The selection of National Party candidates to contest scats at the lorthcoming general election is already in progress. The party in the Franklin districts has chosen tine sitting member, Air J. N. Massey, to contest the seat again. To contest the Auckland East seat at present hold for Labour by Air F W. .Schramm, the National Party has selected Air H. T. Merritt, of Auckland. Air Merritt unsuccessfully stood for the Auckland FJast seat in 1938. He has four sons serving in the present war. Two are officers with the Navy, and two have commissions in the British Army.