The Dominion FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1941. A POLITICAL MERGER

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 126, 21 February 1941, Page 6

The Dominion FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1941. A POLITICAL MERGER

The merging in the National Party under Mr. Hollands leadciship of the People’s Movement, the New Liberal Party and tne sponsors of the proposed Soldiers’ Party, is of considerable public interest and moment. As implementing the principle oi unity so vital to the vigorous and successful prosecution of the national war effort it is a welcome and exemplary gesture, Furthermore, it has given to the general political situation in New Zealand a clear-cut cnaiactei and removed the danger of confusion of ideas. That the sepaiate elements within the forces opposed to the Socialist regime have now been brought together in a solid phalanx must be very gratifying to those who have seen in the appearance of those separate entities a regrettable weakening of the whole front. This solid cohesion oi forces opposed to the steady encroachments upon the liberties ot the people during recent years should be capable of exercising a ponderable, and ultimately, it may be hoped, a decisive influence in the affairs of the country.

By this accession of forces the National Party has received an inlusion of fresh blood, as the new adherents, according to Mr. Holland, are to be accorded representation in its branch and headquaiters organization. That in itself should have a vitalizing effect, lhe field of selection for candidates to represent the party at the next election will also be widened, enabling the best available talent to be enlisted. What should be made clear is that there will be no departure from, or modification of, inherited sound principles ot government bequeathed by statesmanship wise and prudent in its generation. Not otherwise will it be possible for the Leader, oi the National Party to achieve in full measure the fulfilment of ms pledge on behalf of his new union of forces: “the restoration of personal liberty, and the right of the people to live their own way. Faithful adherence and service to well-tried principles should be the watchword, accepted as a pledge and an obligation by all concerned.

The first objective, he says in his statement of aims, is “the maximum war effort by New Zealand in the Empire s. fight for freedom and justice.” The degree of unity hitherto achieved to attain this maximum has left much to be desired. The Government has refused to accept the principle of wartime National Government in the real sense, so strongly urged by the Oppoosition. It has persisted with the prosecution of contentious domestic policy having no relevance of the war effort, and involving heavy and burdensome expenditure. Thus the Opposition has been given no choice of attitude. As Mr. Holland says:

While the Government persists in its 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 fight against unjustifiable State dictation and encroachment upon the people's rights and liberties. He now adds that the offer previously made by Mr. Hamilton after the outbreak of war to join in a National Non-Party War Cabinet; and declined, will be renewed after the forthcoming General Election. In other words, thp vital question of national unity and non-party war effort, and the Government’s failure to rise to the occasion, will be left to the judgment of the electors. Ihe Opposition has certainly done all it could in the present -Parliament to promote the fullest co-operation and absolute concentration on the prosecution of the war, and can submit its attitude to the verdict of the country with a clear conscience.