Labour’s week, says Mr Lange

Press, 4 October 1982, Page 41

Labour’s week, says Mr Lange

PA Wellington A buoyed Acting Leaaer oi the Opposition. Mr Lange, looked back with satisfaction on Labours performance in Parliament this week. Fresh from a series ol verbal clashes with the Prime Minister. Mr Lange told journalists, "we have had an extraordinarily good week in the House. "We have had a pretty united opposition fight. Everyone in the Government knows they have been in a conflict." tie said. Mr Lange has had a high profile in Parliament since his leader. Mr Rowling, departed on a month-long

overseas trip two weeks ago. He and Mr Muldoon have shaped up in major debates, and regularly sparred with interjections and points of order since Mr Rowling left. Before Mr Rowling went he told journalists he would decide while he was away about his future as leader of the party. Mr Lange yesterday continued to deflect questions about the leadership and his prospects should Mr Rowling stand down. The caucus had had a message from Mr Rowling saying he was in Malaysia and was due back on October 11. but did not discuss the leadership. Mr Lange told a

post-caucus press conference. Observers regard Mr Lange as an odds-on favour-* tie to succeed- Mr Rowling But Mr Lange said yesterday that the leadership was not an issue as far as the party was concerned — in spite of the fact that two members. Mr R. J. Tizard (Otahuhu) and Mr C. R. Marshall (Wanganui), have said they will contest the leadership should Mr Rowling stand down. Mr Lange said Mr Rowling would determine whether he wanted to make any announcements when he returned to New Zealand. There was "no expectation of announcements." he said.