Mr Rowling gets support vote

Press, 27 January 1978, Page 4

Mr Rowling gets support vote

PA Wellington 1 The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Rowling) received: a vote of “wholehearted and; unanimous” suport from the; Labour caucus at its first: meeting of the year yester-. day. “They wanted to make it! clear that 1 lead the show and I’m the boss.” he said at a news conference later. Mr Rowling made it clear, he resented suggestions in I the media that there was any; doubt about his leadership. Answering questions about: recent polls which showed a decline in his support and growing support for the new Labour backbencher. Mr David Lange. Mr Rowling commented: “I think he’s got a great deal of potential. He’s a decent feet-on-the-ground fellow." But he told reporters, rather sharply that he hoped Mr Lange’s ability would not! be used, “or misused,” bv' “elements of the media” to “create a divisive element where division doesn't exist.” He added: “To which I think David Lange would sav. ‘Amen’.” The resolution, carried unanimously by the caucus, read: “The Parliamentary Labour Party at its first caucus meeting for 1978 ex-; presses its wholehearted and unanimous supnort for Bill Rowling as Leader of the,

New Zealand Labour Party. “The caucus sees Bill Rowling as a true democrat, a leader of ability, sincerity, integrity and compassion. “It sees his leadership as desperately needed by New Zealand to rescue the country from a depression created bv the present National Government and to restore New Zealand’s former high reputation overseas.” Mr Rowling said the resolution was moved by Mr R. L. Bailey (Heretaunga) and seconded by Dr G. A. Wall (Porirua).