NO REGRETS

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 129, 27 November 1940, Page 8

NO REGRETS

MR. HAMILTON ON THE

CHANGE

ATTENTION TO WAR EFFORT

"I lay down the burden of my task at the request of my colleagues without any regrets at the steepness of the grade the party has faced and climbed successfully," declared the retiring Leader of the Opposition (Mr. Hamilton) in an interview last evening. "My four years of leadership of the National Party from the depths of defeat have been full of interest."

Mr. Hamilton said he looked back on his service grateful above all for the magnificent support he had had from real friends in all districts from the North Cape to Stewart Island. "There are few places I have not visited during my four years as leader, and the loyalty of my many friends has been an inspiration," he continued. "I trust I shall lay aside the office I have held secure in the knowledge that within the bounds of my ability I have put first at all times high ideals for the good government of New Zealand.

"With the support of staunch friends, the Opposition has built a sound foundation, and I would not be human if I did not feel some pride in its continuous progress during the four years. The relief from my position as Leader of the Opposition will enable me to give my absolutely undivided attention to the work of the War Cabinet, which every day becomes more urgent and important."

Mr. Hamilton expressed his appreciation of the tribute that had been paid him by his colleagues in confirming both Mr. Coates and himself in their War Cabinet posts, and he promised friends and people everywhere that all that was possible would be done by them to see that co-operation in New Zealand's section of the war effort in support of the Mother Country in her dire hour of trial was 100 per cent. The first task today was the war effort and their first aim victory.