POLITICAL PARTIES AMALGAMATE

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 125, 20 February 1941, Page 8

POLITICAL PARTIES AMALGAMATE

New Liberals And Soldiers

MERGER WITH NATIONAL PARTY

Another two political parties, the New Liberal Barty and the Soldiers' Barty, have amalgamated with Hie National Barty. This development was announced yesterday by I lie Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Holland, following his statement published that morning that the People's .Movement and lhe National Party hail decided lo join forces as one political unity. "Following last night’s announceinent that the People's Movement and the National Party had agreed to join forces, 1 am now able to announce further reinforcements." said .Mr. Holland. "The New Liberal Parly, with branches in many parts of New Zealand, and the sponsors of rhe proposed Soldiers’ Party, have decided to join forces with the reinforced National Party, so as to unify all the forces having for their objective the maximum war effort, the restoration of personal liberty, the right of the people to live their own lives in their own way. and the tight against further socialistic encroachment.

“Steps are being taken to give adequate representation to these very welcome additions to our rapidly-growing strength on the various branches of the National Parry’s organization, and I extend the warmest possible welcome to all Liberals and others throughout New Zealand. “I desire to make it clear that the sponsors of the proposed Soldiers’ Party are quite distinct and apart from the official Returned Soldiers’ Association. which, quite properly, is a nonpolitical organization, and that as a result of an exchange of views between them and myself they have decided not to proceed further with their plans for a widespread extension of their organization, but. to join forces with the National Party as, the best means of ensuring a maximum war effort and the rehabilitation of the soldiers and other members of the armed forces.” Liberal President's Letter.

Mr. Holland added that he had received the following letter from Mr. W. H. Nash, president of the New Liberal Party:—

“At a meeting of rhe Dominion executive of the New Liberal Party a resolution was carried agreeing . to amalgamate under your leadership. "I am firmly of the opinion that in you we have a leader imbued with that steadiness and sincerity of purpose which is so essential in New Zealand today, and we call upon all Liberal supporters to give you their fullest co-operation. “It is my belief that after the next election you will be called upon to lead this country, and I feel confident that you will fairly represent all classes in the community and not merely sectional interests. “From your repeated public statements I know that while you will give to all sections of the community the full measure of your help and support, you will, at the same time, preserve our ancient heritage of individual liberty.”