Name change on Socred agenda

Press, 26 August 1982, Page 3

Name change on Socred agenda

From KARREN BEANLAND in Hamilton

More than 600 people have gathered in Hamilton for the annual conference of the Social Credit Political League, which will start today.

Several issues such as the name change proposal which was floated earlier this year by the league’s leader. Mr Beetham. will make this conference the most important for several years.

The name-change proposal wiH force conference delegates to take stock of the league’s position in the political spectrum. Those who want to see the. league as a middle ground party, favour a name change. Options for a new name include New Zealand Democratic Party or the New’ Zealand Social Democratic Party. Other 'league supporters oppose a change in the name because they feel it would mark a move away from the traditional Social Credit platform.

The subject has been widely aired in recent weeks, something Mr Beetham planned in order that full consideration be given to the matter.

The name change could have "quite profound and significant implications," he said. The debate would also "say a great deal about Social Credit philosophy."

Mr Beetham would not commit himself to a name choice. He said he would be happy to go along with whatever choice the conference made.

At this stage it appears unlikely that there will be a big enough majority to secure a new name for the league. It is widely expected, however, that the conference will reach a compromise by dropping the words, “political" or “political league," from the party's name. One subject not. on the conference agenda but which is likely to be raised is the controversial agreement between Social Credit and the Government over the Clyde

dam. The introduction of the Clyde legislation in Parliament led yesterday to the resignation of two Social Credit organisers from the Rotorua branch.

Although some league supporters, especially the big conservationist group within the party, may feel strongly about the issue, party officials do not expect that it will lead to a challenge of the league’s leadership. They believe Mr Beetham has arguments to support his stand that will be strong enough to satisfy' most delegates.

Aside from these issues, much of the time during the four-day conference will be devoted to an assessment of the league's performance at last year’s General Election. Several remits should also spark interesting discussion. The conference will look at new ways to present the league’s monetary policy, its standing on closer economic relations with Australia, and whether it should adopt a defence policy of armed neutrality.