Values’ need to define role

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34130, 17 April 1976, Page 2

Values’ need to define role

r.N.Z. Pres a Ajioeiofton)

AUCKLAND. April 16. The real challenge facing the Values Party was to define clearly the party’s political role in the future, the party’s national chairman (Mr D. J. Woodhams) said today.

At the party’s annua! conference at Blockhouse Bay, Mr Woodhams said: "If we do not accept that challenge, then we must continue to play the role of dedicated and occasionally inspired political amateurs. "The stakes were never higher and the deadly game must be played out to the last card,” he told 350 delegates from throughout New Zealand.

Mr Woodhams said the party’s hand must be played with judgment, finesse, and economy which required a positive commitment in depth. and a realistic appreciation of the difficulties ahead.

’The greatest weakness of the party seems to me to be

that we have to rely on people voluntarily giving time out of lives already crowded with job and family responsibilities to keep the party functioning. "The appointment by conference of a full-time combined general secretary, organiser and field worker would release these people for more creative and rewarding services to the party,” he said.