NATIONAL PARTY

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 58, 10 March 1937, Page 12

NATIONAL PARTY

LOCAL DIVISION

SOLID PROGRESS REPORTED

The Wellington Divisional Committee of the National Party met today at the National Club, Wellington, under the chairmanship of Mr. C. H. Western, K.C., president. Representatives present were:—Mr. E. E. Hammond, vicepresident; Mrs. Duncan Simpson, Marton- Miss Meads, .Westmere; Mrs. Lee Stone, Wellington; Messrs. F. P. Kelly, Hawke's Bay;'J. H. Perrott, Manawatu; J. H. Irving, Masterton; B. Me-1 Leod, Oroua; F. Jacobs, Otaki; K. C. Duckworth, Patea; F. W. Durward, j Palmerston North; H. Johnson, Pahiatua- E. B. Gordon, Rangitikei; A. L. Alexander, Stratford; G. E. C. Harker, Wai.pa.wa; L. J- Fairbrother, Wairarapa; H Gridley.. Wairau; T. Forsyth, Wellington; A. Blake. Wellington East; J. H. Mcllroy, Wellington South; Leo Dwan -• Wellington North; W. Smith, Hutt; E. Grant-Taylor. Wellington; H. C. Jenkins, Wanganui; and D. M. Buie. Wanganui EastReports of the furthering of the organisation of the party in the Wellington Division, were received, and it was revealed that the party was making solid progress. The chairman reported that progress was equally satisfactory in the other divisions, and there was every reason for believing that the support would increase for two reasons, one, that the Government's policy was causing deep apprehension in the minds of many people who were formerly indifferent to politics at all; and, twc f the personality of Mr. Hamilton had gained him real favour wherever he had gone. Moreover. Ml. Hamilton had surprised even his friends by the revelation of his powers of leadership and political sagacity and constructive thought. The tours of Mr. Holland, Mr. Hargest, Mr. Holyoake, and Mr. Broadfoot had proved a great stimulus to the party wherever they went, and delegates reported that increased membership of the branches had followed. Other matters dealt with were publicity and Bnance. The method of selecting candidates was also gone into. Recommendations of the branches were received as to the construction jof the party's platform. These recommendations were considered and passed on to the Dominion Executive Council for consideration at its next meeting.