NEW OPPOSITION LEADER

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21648, 5 December 1935, Page 10

NEW OPPOSITION LEADER

Caucus Elects Mr Forbes MR COATES CHOSEN AS DEPUTY ATTITUDE TO LABOUR GOVERNMENT U'BESS ASSOCIATION TRLEGHAM.) WELLINGTON, December 4. A caucus of the National party was held in the Prime Minister's office this morning. Amongst those present were the Hon. C. E. Macmillan, Mr J. A. Nash, and the Min(the Hon. R. Masters). Two absentees were Mr J. A. Roy (Clutha) and Mr Tau Henare (Northern Maori). The Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes was elected leader of the Opposition, and the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates deputyleader. Although two or three of the members were not present, they had telegraphed their reasons for inability to attend. A motion of sympathy was passed in respect of the death of Mr K. S. Williams, and reference was made to the great loss the Dominion, and the Gisborne district in, particular, had suffered by his death. A second motion expressed appreciation of the splendid work carried out by all the National Government candidates in placing the Government's case before the electors during the campaign, and also of the untiring efforts of their committees and supporters throughout the country. Keen regret was also expressed at the number of former members of Parliament supporting the party who had unfortunately lost their seats—men who had had worthy records of parliamentary service, and who had stood loyally by the Government during the difficulties of the last few years. The proceedings were characterised by the utmost cordiality and harmony, and at the conclusion the following motion was carried unanimously: "That this meeting of parliamentary members of the National party affirms its determination to carry out its duties as his Majesty's Opposition in the New Zealand Parliament, and to take such action as it deems advisable in the interests of the citizens of New Zealand. It also declares its allegiance to the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, as leader of the Opposition, and to the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, as its deputy-leader." The general feeling of members of the party was that it was not their intention to indulge in captious criticism oi legislation brought down by the new Government, but to make constructive suggestions, and generally to endeavour to improve measures in their passage through the House.