GREATER IMPACT

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32367, 5 August 1970, Page 6

GREATER IMPACT

Social Credit

Optimism

The Social Credit Political League under its new leader, Mr J. B. O’Brien, can be expected to make a much greater impact at the next General Election, said the deputy leader (Mr T. Weal) in Christchurch on Monday. In the past the public of New Zealand had tended to associate Social Credit with its former leader, Mr V. F. Cracknell; and while he had been treated fairly sympathetically much more had been expected of him in the House of Representatives than had been the case. Mr Weal, a schoolteacher from Auckland, said the recent national conference of the league had given birth to a political wing, for the first time. “The league now has its own political executive which [is responsible for some aspects of policy, strategy, tactics and techniques,” he said. The men on this executive were virtually a shadow cabinet although, said Mr Weal, ;it was not generally referred to as such because the electorate might think it someIwhat pretentious. [ Mr Weal was in ChristI church in the course of a [ South Island tour during which he was attempting to [educate the public to the leaigue’s new image and to re- ; assure the doubters that it was still a viable political [force. [ Mr O’Brien would have jmade the tour but he was indisposed. Mr Weal said Mr O'Brien would probably be through the South Island in about two months. Mr Weal’s responsibility in the league’s political executive is looking after education, health and welfare. i He was responsible for col[lating its education policy I over the last eight years. “It [is a broad policy full of [sweeping changes to meet the 'needs of our modern society," he said. I Yesterday Mr Weal spoke at ■[the Christchurch Teachers’ [College and last night at a [public meeting in St Asaph ' Street.