NATIONAL PARTY

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 195, 15 May 1936, Page 13

NATIONAL PARTY

Sir George Wilson First President PLEDGED TO TRUE DEMOCRACY “Loyalty to New Zealand Comes First” Tlie New Zealand National Barty at its conference yesterday elected Sir George Wilson. Auckland, first president of the party, on the motion of Mr. C. 11. Weston, K.C., seconded by Mr. W. J. Broadfoot, M.P. Mr. C. H. Weston was appointed permanent chairman of the executive committee in appreciation of his services to the party. In accepting the presidency ol the organisation, Sir George said that in a. conference whose members were drawn from all parts of New Zealand, it was inevitable that as regards matters of detail there should be many differing views. "On one vital question, however, I believe we are all agreed,” lie continued, "and that is that as a result of this conference there should arise a strong political organisation witli truly national outlook, sufficiently broad-based to include all who object to the class legislation of the present Government —all who stiyncl pledged to a true democracy. Must Stand Together. “If ibis result is to be achieved, the first essential is that old party division should be forgotten—(applause) —and that we should stand together in the laving of a firm foundation for our future work. We should endeavour so to frame our policy and build our organisation as to invite within our ranks all (irrespective of their past affiliation) who can honestly subscribe

to the principles for which we stand. I know I have your support in this and that I can appeal with confidence for the sacrifice of some individual views so that the larger objective may be realised.

“One question upon which I know differing opinions are held is that of leadership. I yield to no one in my own personal loyalties. But loyalty to New Zealand must come first —(applause)—and for that reason I appeal to you to refrain, at the present stage, from making an issue of tlie leadership of tlie party. “When our organisation is working smoothly, and our supporters arc enrolled, this question will be fully considered. When that time comes Hie repercussions and animosities of the past will have died down, and it will be possible to see more clearly wliere our future lies. If a decision is forced now, old bitterness may be revived, and this might well postpone indefinitely that day when we shall once more see the government of our country in the hands of men whose pledge is progress—with security and justice.” At the conclusion of his address the new president was loudly cheered and warmly congratulated. Conference Business. During the morning addresses concerning the place of women in the organisation were given by Miss Sanders, Christchurch, Dr. Turkington, Auckland, and Mrs. Stone. Wellington. Mr. 11. G. Livingstone, Christchurch, spoke on the question of publicity and propaganda, and the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates addressed the conference on “Some Probable Results of Labour’s Policy.” At the conclusion of his address appreciative references were made to the efforts of all members of the Opposition in Parliament. The afternoon was occupied mostly in discussing matters of organisation and policy, and Mr. B. Gordon Edwards. Auckland, gave a resume of the methods adopted in organising within

tlie rural and urban electorates of the Auckland provincial area. The conference decided to defer the appointment of vice-presidents until the organisation arrives at a stage when representatives from the various divisional areas are appointed to the council. It is anticipated that this will be completed within the next few weeks. Votes of thanks were passed to the delegates and others who had given addresses at the conference, and special mention was made of the services of the chairman, Mr. Weston. Tlie conference concluded at B p.m. with the singing of the National Anthem.