Former Leader Of League Resigns

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32322, 13 June 1970, Page 12

Former Leader Of League Resigns

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, June 12.

Mr V. F. Cracknell, former leader of the Social Credit Political League, today announced his resignation from the league.

Mr Cracknell, who was the league’s only member of Parliament from 1966 to 1969, and whc was replaced by the deputy leader (Mr J. B. O’Brien) at last month’s annual conference, said his wife had also resigned. He said in a prepared statement: “My wife and I have resigned as members of the Social Credit Political League. “This statement has been delayed as I thought jt proper that the Hobson electoral branch of the league should be informed before the resignations were made public. “The decision was made, not so much because of who was, or was not, effected, or

S i other deliberations, but be- . cause of the fact that the ' recent annual conference of n the league was merely a o democratic cloak for attitudes e adopted and decisions made > long before the conference 'even started. s “Many people of normally d good intention allowed themselves to be persuaded against their consciences and rational judgment. This, and the spectacle of the conference, " were out of countenance with, and undermined the concept of a democratic way e of life. s.: “Also, the behaviour of n people in high office, and of it delegates, before a curious :-!and dismayed New Zealand e public, means that the Social e Credit Political League is une> likely ever to implement monetary reform in New ;, Zealand. o “Finally, because I am r! entitled to have some concern

for the effect on my personal reputation of association with a movement that behaves in such a manner. Joined In 1959

“I joined the league in 1959 when, in the eyes of many people, it was the object of ridicule, because 1 thought that it had the germ of a good idea. “I worked to gain the trust, respect and understanding of the people in New Zealand, and achieved some measure of success. “In three short days the conference did irreparable harm to the image that had been painstakingly built up for 10 years.”

Mr Cracknell said he was convinced that had the movement behaved rationally after the last election and presented a mature, intelligent and united political front, when so many forces were arrayed against it, Hobson could have been won again for Social Credit in 1972. “I wish to take this opportunity of expressing appreciation for the help I have received,” he said. “My first thanks go to my wife, Shelagh, for her unfailing devotion, loyalty and support, next to the good people in Hobson and throughout New Zealand for help, support and co-oper-ation during these 10 very strenuous years of my life.”

Mr Cracknell said he was convinced that monetary reform would go a long way towards rehabilitating society.

“It is essential in times such as these,” he said, “that good men and women should associate to implement the necessary reforms.

Rational Reforms

“For my part, I intend to pursue sane and rational monetary other reforms through any available avenue.”

During his 10 years on the league, Mr Cracknell served on the policy committee, was iDominion councillor for two years and served one year as president and seven years as leader. Mr O’Brien said from his home at Shannon tonight that he would have no comment to make on Mr Cracknell’s resignation.