NATIONAL PARTY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 127, 30 May 1940, Page 8

NATIONAL PARTY.

AUCKLAND DIVISION.

WAR WORK DISCUSSED.

LEADER CONGRATULATED.

Several resolutions dealing with the war effort were passed at the annual meeting of the Auckland division of the Xew Zealand National party, which was held at the Auckland Chamber of Commerce tliis morning. There was a large attendance of delegates.

The first resolution was as follows:'"That in these days of crisirs, this meeting of the Auckland division of the New Zealand National party once more pledges its utter loyalty to the King, the Empire he serves, and to the cause for which the Empire and Allies are fighting."'

There was considerable discussion in connection with the suggested setting up of a war council, and it was decided to endorse the decision of the Parliamentary caucus of the party which considered that the proposals made by the Prime Minister, the Hon. P. Fraser, were not adequate. It was further decided to endorse the request by the Hon. A. Hamilton for a national War Cabinet with adequate representation from all sections of the community as a paramount and immediate necessity; further, to congratulate Mr. Hamilton on his leadership in a very difficult situation. Subversive Propaganda. Subversive propaganda was discussed, and it was decided that the party should do its utmost to urge the Government to take summary action against persons responsible for subversive activities in connection with the Dominion's war effort, whether they be of British or alien origin. Dealing with the year's work, Mr. H. (J. Savage said that the guiding principle had been that the war effort should come first. It was necessary that the party should be organised and active.

Dr. Hilda Xorthcroft, president of the party's women's organisation, reported that since the opening of the soldiers' lounge, 15,000 men of the forces and mercantile marine had made use of the free facilities provided.

Mr. U. M. Smith was unanimously reappointed chairman of the division, and it was decided to recommend the annual conference to appoint Mr. H. C. Savage as vice-president of the party, to represent the Auckland division.