Labour Optimism

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29983, 19 November 1962, Page 12

Labour Optimism

(From Ow Own Reporter) WELLINGTON, November 18. Labour is convinced that 1963 will be its big year. Already there have been predictions about its “biggest-ever” attempt to recapture the Treasury benches. Nominations for all seats have closed, and it is hoped the names of all official Labour candidates will be known before the end of the year.

According to some members, Labour has started the election battle already. The tone of questions and interjections in the House indicates that several Labour members already regard the election as imminent, and the need to embarrass the Government as urgent. Already there has been a spate of the “What - we - would - have - done” type of Parliamentary speeches. Some months ago, Labour issued what was, in effect, its financial policy. Since then. Labour speakers, notably Messrs A. H. Nordmeyer. N. E. Kirk, N. V. Douglas and J. Mathison, have pressed the Government on every occasion.

Outside the House, Labour plans are well forward. The party machine, and particularly its public relations side, has been greatly strengthened. The party even has a newspaper again, the “New Statesman.” This must be heartening to Labour supporters who deplored the loss of the “Standard” just before the last election. Industrial groups have been formed, and are reported to be working well in the main heavy industries. Indeed, it has been said that Labour has rarely been so well organised, or of such a single mind, as it is today outside Parliament itself. The Leadership The opinion is growing that the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Nash) will now not relinquish his position before the election. He is expected to make the vital statement —as to whether he will step aside or lead the party to the polls—at the final Labour caucus of the year. This is likely to be in the first week in December.

The illness of his chosen deputy (Mr Hackett), and his reluctance to nominate either Mr Nordmeyer or any of the younger members, are thought to be important factors in his decision. Mr Nash’s solution could well be

that he will continue as leader until the election. He would still have to nominate a deputy, if it so happened that Mr Hackett’s health precluded his continuing in this position. If this were so, his choice could well be Mir Mathtoon or Mr W. A. Fox.

There is strong support among the younger members for the nomination of Mr Nordmeyer. Their decision has been made purely on Mr Nordmeyer's ability in debate and in the direction of Opposition policy. But this move may not find favour with Mr Nash, whose word to Saw in the nomination of his own deputy. If a younger men is chosen as deputy-leader, the choice to likely tn lie between Messrs N. E. Kirk. N. W. Douglas, and H. L. J. May. Trouble In Auckland Though making the most of arguments among National party members, the Labour party has many troubles of its own, notably in Auckland, where boundary readjustment has brought many heartburnings. The revised electorate of Grey Lynn contains a large area of the present Ponaonby. Mr Hackett will offer for Grey Lynn, as he represents the old electorate of that name. Mr R. MJacdonaM to determined to do likewise, ae so much of his present electorate has passed to Grey Lynn. New Lynn, a new seat, appears to be reserved for the Labour Party president (Dr. A. M. Finlay). Mr Macdonald could conceivably be accommodated somewhere else, but, at present, he to taking the view that Ma place to with hto old etectorate. which once honoured him with the highest election majority.

Influenza Attack. Lord Snowden ha* a mild attack o< influenza and to stayinc indoors at Kenainfftoa Patace. it was announced.—London, November 16.

Temporary C.O. The Royal New Zealand Air Force station. Wigram. is now commanded by Wing Commander L. H. Edwards, officer commanding the station’s administration wing. Wing Commander Edwards took over from Group Captain S. G. Quill at 3 p.m. yesterday. He will remain in command of the station until January 7, when the appointed commending officer, Group Captain J. D. Robins, will arrive from Lauthala Bay station, Fiji, which he at present commands. Group Captain Quill left by air for Wellington, where he will take up an appointment as secretary of the Chiefs of Staff Committee.