COMMON GOAL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 114, 15 May 1936, Page 8

COMMON GOAL.

NATIONAL PARTY. LEADERSHIP QUESTION. SIR G. WILSON" PRESIDENT. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Thursday. Sir George Wilson, of Auckland, was elected first president of the New Zealand National party at its conference to-day 011 the motion of Mr. C. 11. Weston, seconded by Air. W. J. Broadfoot, M.P. The conference room was again crowded. During the morning addresses concerning the place of women ill the organisation were given by Miss Sanders, of Christchureh, Dr. Turkington, of Auckland, and Mrs. Stone, of Wellington. Mr. H. G. Livingstone, of Christchureh, spoke 011 the question of publicity and propaganda, and the Right Hon. J. G. Coates addressed the conference 011 "Some Probable Results of Labour's Policy." At the conclusion of his address appreciative references were made to the efforts of all members of tho Opposition in Parliament. 111 accepting the presidency of the organisation, Sir George Wilson said that in a conference whose members were drawn from all parts of New Zealand it was inevitable that there should be different views, but 011 the vital question—that a." a result of the conference there should arise a strong political organisation —all were agreed. If that were to be achieved it was essential that old party divisions should be forgotten. He said diffeient opinions were held about the leadership. He yielded to 110 one in his own personal loyalties, but loyalty to New Zealand must come first, and for that reason he appealed to them to refrain at the present stage from making the leadership an issue of party. When the organisation was working smoothly and the supporters were enrolled the question would be fully considered. If p. decision were forced now the old bitterness might be revived. The afternoon was occupied mostly in discussing matters of organisation and policy. The conference decided to defer the appointment of vice-presidents until the organisation arrives at a stage when representatives from the various divisional areas arc appointed to the council. It is anticipated this will be completed within the next few Weeks. Votes of thanks were passed to the various delegates and others who had given addresses j>t the conference, and special mention was made of the services of the chairman, Mr. C. IT. Weston. The conference concluded at 5 p.m. with the singing of the National Anthem. Mr. Weston was appointed permanent chairman of the executive committee.