PEOPLE’S MOVEMENT.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 63, Issue 170, 30 April 1943, Page 4

PEOPLE’S MOVEMENT.

‘SHROUDED IN MYSTERY.”

COMMENT BY MR HOLLAND. “The People’s Movement, _ which again in having much to say in condemnation of the holding of the General Election itjhfis (year, claims it speaks for every electorate in New Zealand, yet it would be interesting if its spokesman would give the names of, ,say, six well-known citizens in any six adjoining electorates who are supporters of the movement,” said the Leader of the National Party (Mr S. Holland) yesterday -at Timaru. Mr Holland said the publicity given the demands of the “so-called People’s Movement” demanded a reply. In ordinary circumstances oue would probably not pay much attention to this organisation, which consisted of one or two persons who so far had been unable to name even as many as six prominent persons associated with it, he said.

REJOINDER BY MOVEMENT. (P.A.) WELLINGTON, This Day. “It is most unfortunate that the leader of the National Party chooses to reply to our public statement with a tirade of personal abuse,” says a statement issued- by the People’s Movement. “There is absolutely no foundation for his claim that the people want an election. It is inconceivable that Mr Holland and other eager Seekers of office do not realise that the public heart and the public mind are with our soldiers, sailors and airmen on the battlefronts of the world.

“Mr Holland asks about our candidates, policy, leader and finances. It should be pointed out that; the People’s Movement is not a party organisation. It has political ideals which have been clearly expressed, and it is determined to re-form the party system in this country. However, the People’s Movement, in asking that the elections should be postponed, has pledged itself to refrain from active political campaigning until it is convinced that tile party leaders will not heed the wishes of the public. If, and when, this time comes, and decision cannot long he delayed, the People’s Movement will follow the course which it has indicated publicly. If party organisations and members ignore our last attempt; to avoid the dangers of an election we shall be delighted to tell Mr Holland all about our candidates and our supporters.”