THE LABOUR LEADERSHIP

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 16, 13 October 1933, Page 8

THE LABOUR LEADERSHIP

Mr. M. J. Savage is to be congratulated on his election to the leadership of the Parliamentary Labour Party by unanimous vote of the caucus. The result was not unexpected. As deputy-leader he was next in the line of succession. The unanimity of the vote, however. is a testimony to the confidence reposed in him by the Party. His personal qualities have earned for him the goodwill and esteem of the House. Like his late leader, Mr. Holland, he is a staunch and consistent protagonist in upholding Labour s political ideals and aims. Like him, also, he represents the studious and earnest type of political advocate rather than the clamant and vociferous demagogue of the soapbox variety. . Mr. Savage’s responsibility is twofold. As Leader of his Party, he has to guide its destinies in Parliament. As Leader of the Opposition, he has also a responsibility to the nation. In the present state of the country’s affairs there is a call to every individual, every section, and every political party to rise above self-interest and pull together in the national effort. The responsibility of the Opposition in Parliament cannot be too strongly emphasised. It is a responsibility altogether apart from its particular political colour. That is not to say that its official function as critic of the Government’s policy and methods should be abandonee. But it must be borne in mind that it is the nation, not the party, that really matters in these momentous times.