PARTY RALLY

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28354, 13 August 1957, Page 14

PARTY RALLY

Mr Holland Unable To Attend

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, August 12. For the first time for many years, the Prime Minister (Mr Holland) did not attend the anuual conference rally of the National Party tonight. The Deputy-Prime Minister (Mr K. J. Holyoake) was the main speaker. The president of the party (Mr Alex McKenzie) apologised for the absence of the Prime Minister.

“Mr Holland just did not « feel up to it,” said Mr McKenzie. “As you can imagine, the decision he has had to make has been a very difficult one. He would have loved to be here, but he did not feel like risking if ’»

Mr Holyoake said the day had been historic and the night might be an anti-climax, First it had been intended that the Prime Minister should address the rally, then that the Prime Minister and he should do so, and then the Prime Minister had been unable to come

“Tonight, I am speaking for us both,” said Mr Holyoake. “I have felt more fit, and have tried to steady the old nerves, but it has been an exciting day. 1 would have wished for a little more time before 1 was called on to address you.”

Mr Holyoake spoke for 54 minutes. His speech was frequently applauded: When the applause a 1 the end of Mr Holyoake’s speech had died away, Mr McKenzie said the day had belonged to the Prime .Minister.

''“Mr Holyoake is chairman of ou?“ policy committee,” added Mr McKenzie. “As you see, we have a man with a dynamic outlook. I feel that the people of New Zealand will want to try this man as Prime Minister. He has started well.”