Wants Mr Kirk’s Views

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31320, 16 March 1967, Page 1

Wants Mr Kirk’s Views

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, Mar. 15. The Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) today called on the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Kirk) to comment on the Federation of Labour’s proposals for handling the economy. Mr Holyoake said that one of the most interesting and most significant sidelights of the F.O.L.’s “jamborees” this week had been Mr Kirk’s reaction.

“It has been a deep and continuing silence. Does this mean that the Leader of the Opposition is in full agreement with the federation’s policies or does it mean that the Labour Party is deeply

embarrassed by the action and statements of the federation?” he asked. “Going on the past record of subservience of the political wing of the Labour movement to the industrial, the country could logically expect that the voice of the federation is still the voice of the Labour Party. “The federation’s proposals are certainly a curious, confused and mixed bag which would embarrass any party committed to try and carry them out.

“I think that the country is surely entitled to know just where the Labour Party stands on the proposals. Dairy farmers, for one, are very concerned over Mr Skinner’s attitude towards their industry and the guaranteed price in particular. “On. the eve of two byelections the country needs a clear statement from the Leader of the Opposition as to where his party stands on these proposals. Are they now a fresh new look policy for the Labour Party?”