Mr Cracknell “Appalled” At Comment

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32301, 20 May 1970, Page 1

Mr Cracknell “Appalled” At Comment

The leader of the Social Credit Political League (Mr V. F. Cracknell) said in a statement released from the league’s Wellington office last night he was “appalled” that the deputy-leader of the league (Mr J. B. O’Brien) had publicly commented on a confidential internal circular issued on Mr Cracknell’s authority, says the Press Association.

Mr Cracknell was referring to charges by Mr O’Brien, who will be contesting the leadership at the league’s annual conference at the week-

end, that a circular sent to league members was the “antithesis of democracy.”

Mr Cracknell said that the circular, which bore his name and the names of six other prominent Social Crediters, was clearly headed: “Strictly Confidential Not For Publication." It was for the information of league members only.

“The reason for this is obvious—it related to the internal affairs of the league,” said Mr Cracknell.

The circular said last night that Mr Cracknell and six others were offering themselves for election as leader, deputy-leader, president and vice-presidents, but only if they were elected en bloc. Mr J. U. Barclay, president

of the Canterbury Regional Council of the league and one of the signatories to the circular, said in Christchurch yesterday that he had only one comment to make:

“There is a time of decision ahead. Only a team in harmony will give the league the results that its philosophy warrants.” Mr Barclay’s comment was made in a supplied statement signed by the full-time, Canterbury regional organiser of the league (Mr D. W. Parlane). Mr Parlane said that the report had been sent to the 84 branches of the league, marked “confidential.” Previous Nominations

The St Albans electoral branch council of the league at a special meeting on Monday evening expressed “dismay, disgust and anger at the dictatorial implications” in the circular, said Mr R. Jones, secretary of the branch, in a supplied statement yesterday. Mr Jones said that the branch council had met to review its previous nominations for the Dominion executive in the light of the “team circular.” \ It was resolved that the branch nominations of Mr O’Brien (leader), Mr J. Fountain (deputy-leader), and Mr J. Dempsey (president) would stand, but that the nominations for the four Dominion vice-presidents should be withdrawn. Mr Jones said that the meeting directed criticism at the Canterbury regional president (Mr Barclay) for "being associated with the power game.”