PARTIES MERGE

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 124, 19 February 1941, Page 8

PARTIES MERGE

People’s Movement And National Party

WAR EEPORT GOAL

Statements Issued By

Leaders

l ite amalgamation of the I’eople s Movement and the National Party was announced last evening by lite Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Holland. Representation is to be given the People’s Movement on tire branches and headquarters of the National Party organization. Tito merger does not involve any change in the name of the National Party. A statement was also issued simultaneously by the president of 'he People’s Movement. Mr. E. R. Toop, who said that as a separate political entity the movement had now completed its work.

"I am pleased to be able officially to announce that, following mutually

helpful discussions, the People's Movement and the New Zealand National Party have unanimously decided to

join forces as one united party." said .Mr. Holland.

"Our first objective is the maximum war effort by New Zealand in Hie Empire’s fight for freedom and justice. ■While, however, the Government persists in it.s determination to complete its full programme of socialization, and refuses to make a 100 per cent, war effort possible by dropping party politics and forming a truly National Government with representation from all sides, we are determined to continue our light, against unjustifiable State dictation and encroachment upon the people's rights ami liberties. Benefits From Amalgamation.

“With a view to tiie fullest benefits being obtained from tiie amalgamation, steps are being taken to ensure that the People’s .Movement is given full and adequate representation on tiie various branches and headquarters of the widespread National Party organization. The general public is well aware of the activities and the purpose of the People’s Movement, and I extend a warm welcome to their members throughout New Zealand. I wish to pay a tribute to those who have taken part in the preliminary discussions, which have resulted in the removal of differences and in the unifying of forces, especially to Mr. E. R. Toop, who, as president of the People's Movement, has been most helpful, tactful and tolerant.

“The joining of forces does uot involve any change in the name of the National Party, and I feel that our organization will be greatly strengthened by this co-operation in ideas and outlook,” concluded .Mr. Holland. Statement by Mr. Toop.

A statement upon the unification of the People’s Movement With the National Party was issued last evening l;y -Mr. Toop. Remarking that as a separate political entity the People’s Movement had now completed its work, Mr. Toop said that the activities of thO movement were primarily to awaken the electors to the exaggerated party and sectional bias iu the political life of the Dominion, and to endeavour to show some constructive way out of the apparent impasse. "We stated that we would support any Government that would put the interests of country first,” said Mr. Toop. "It was not sufficient for any party to say they were tion-sectional ; it required a clear expression of policy which would give some substance to the mere assertion.

“I would like to say, in reply to atty possible criticism of our political activities during wartime that,, in our opinion, anyone who has a genuine concern for the rehabilitation of our soldiers after the war, and for the serious problems of reconstruction that will arise, could not make the war an excuse for closing their eyes to the effect on that reconstruction of the present trend of politics and Government in this country.

“It was never our wish, in any way, to confuse the political issues, but rather to assist in deiining thAi. We were always willing to retire from the political arena providing we could see a leader who could assure us of a sincere non-sectional and less party outlook and who. by his policy, would restore confidence in a real alternative to the apathetic acceptance of exaggerated State control mid interference. In Mr. Holland, we believe that New Zealand Ims ;r leader witli tlie outlook o’’ the ordinary citizen, with not only the desire but tlie will to eradicate, by a constructive policy, the sectional strife and class bitterness that has been engendered under ultra-party Government, particularly during the last few years. Mr. Holland's Leadership. "On the accession of Mr. Holland to the leadership of tlie opposition," Mr. Toop continued, "we signified our enthusiastic support provided we could get together in matters of policy and general outlook. Mr. Holland’s appreciation of the work we have done, together with a frank expression of views, clearly indicated common ground for co-operation. Accordingly, with authority from the Dominion executive, it has been [mssihle to finalize arrangements that make a merger of forces mutually satisfactory. I feel that tlte People's Movement has rendered valuable service ami can now best serve lhe country by bringing to Mr. Hol land's support loyalty mid enlliusiasm lor tlie cause of better mid less sectional government in New Zealand. "In conclusion." said Mr. Toop. "1 Mould like to thank till those friends mul supporters who have assisted tlie work of the People's Movement. I should like. also, to t>ay a tribute to Mr. Holland, who. during lhe whole of our negotiations, demonstrated qualities of leadership, understanding ami far-sighted statesmanship. qualities which. I am confident, will, before long. 1 ring him to the position ot leader ol ll)(> pooplt' <>l this I h)ini 11 i<*ii.