Answer to Correspondent

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 24, 23 October 1936, Page 11

Answer to Correspondent

“Harmony”: The matter is not of sufficient importance to justify a controversy.

The National Party

Sir,— Having read in “The Dominion” accounts of various meetings of the socalled "New National Party,” may I as an old political organiser in England and Scotland ask what on earth is the use ot forming a party which has no set policy to place before the electors? To organise solely as opposed to Socialism is simply organising to create class hatred, which never has nor never will win any election under the British flag, and will bring down on the heads of those responsible the dire disfavour of the leaders of all religious denominations throughout this Dominion; here I may say that religion is destined to play a far more prominent part in the future politics of New Zealand than it has done in the past, and in fact it is already doing so, which will become quite apparent from various pulpit messages. One might well ask what bearing has the use of the word “National” on the constitution of the party? When the National Party was formed in England Mr. Baldwin made it perfectly plain that he would not be a party thereto unless it ■was truly representative of all political creeds. Can this be said of the New Zealand party? Certainly not. Thus, to use the slogan “National Party for the national good” is only sheer hypocrisy and a very great insult to the British Prime Minister. It is quite obvious that both the Opposition. the new party and the Press of this Dominion are most lamentably ignorant in matters political when a strong Government is in office, as they appear to be quite blind to the fact that by roundly condemning any Government which is known as a popular Government they are only bringing more adherents to that Government. This is an oldestablished fact and is as well known among highly paid political organisers as is the Eiffel Tower in the country in which it is erected.

That a strong Opposition is a necessary adjunct to the safe and sane government of any country no one will deny; thus if there is to be a new party let it be a new party, not Tuesday’s hash from Monday’s cold meat, and remember “L’amour qui fait le monde,” and cease their nefarious efforts to stir up class antagonism, which will never succeed as long as New Zealand remains New Zealand and our present King sits on the British Throne.

Class antagonism is .directly opposed to His Majesty’s expressed wishes, clearly evinced by the following words which he used when Prince of Wales in the course of his speech at the annual architects’ banquet in London:— “The time has come when we should study the masses of the people a little more and not somuch the so-called select society.”—l am, etc., EX-CONSERVATIVE ORGANISER. October 21.

Sir, —If we are not under a dictatorship, I want to know what a dictatorship really is. The Opposition must work hard in bringing before electors the avowed intentions of the Labour .Government in respect to the socialistic ideals of the party. It is to be hoped electors are taking note of what is going on behind and in front of the curtain. Political education from day to day is necessary because of the general apathy of the public. A. speeding up just before election day is not sufficient.

A new and progressive leader is wanted for the Nationalists; one with sympathetic understanding, and one whose ideals will appeal to the electors. Younger men and women are needed in the ranks of the Nationalist executives throughout New Zealand, and the anti-Labour. forces should be well sprinkled with young, virile, ambitious, forceful New Zealand-born men and women. With others, I am patiently waiting to receive intimation through the Press as to the holding of a public meeting to launch the big “drive.”- So far I have not received any notfbe of where to join, when to join, or to whom should application be made for membership. I am only one of thousands desirous of lending a hand; but so far no word has appeared publicly inviting electors to join the Nationalists since the Labour Government commenced operations. It is unreasonable to expect those opposed to the present Labour Government to support unreservedly any leader which the present Opposition, members of Parliament may select. I venture the opinion that the majority of electors opposed to the Government would prefer a “Leader” —note the word “Leader” —appointed by popular vote of members of the National Party, outside the House, and not just by a coterie of existing members of Parliament.

Thousands voted against the previous Government —not for Labour, but simply to show their protest against the actions of the Forbes-Coates'cabinet; and by no stretch of imagination can I satisfy my ; self that whole-hearted support would be forthcoming for the Nationalists if either Mr. Coates or Mr. Forbes or Mr. Hamilton were appointed leader. Personally, if it is absolutely final that the present Opposition must appoint a leader; I cannot suggest a better man than Mr. R. A. Wright, who has done splendid service as' past Minister of Education. He can be relied upon to play fair to one and all; and, above all, no one will say he does not merit the respect of all right-thinking men and women; he is a deep student of political affairs; a straight and honourable man, and has fought hard for years for the well-being of this Dominion. • My . personal respect for him as a politician hag grown during recent years. Nevertheless, I would prefer to see an entirely new man from outside the House elected as leader.—l am, etc., ZEALANDIA. Wellington, October 21.