NATIONAL PARTY

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 May 1941, Page 5

NATIONAL PARTY

PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS. [per press association.] WELLINGTON, May 22. Contending that Labour’s policy had brought about a dulling of enterprise and energy, and had not been conducive to the building of greatness in a people, the Dominion president of the National Party (Mr. A. Gordon), in an address to the annual conference of the party, emphasised the need lor a policy that would help to build character and encourage the people to stand on their own feet. The conference was attended by about 300 delegates, including Mr. S. G. Holland and other members of Parliament. , Mr Gordon, in his address, stated that the'people had every right to iudge the results of all administrations by the touchstone of whether its acts had been helpful or otherwise to’the development of personality and character and he believed that by that touchstone Labour 'stood condemned. The National Party’s task, he said, was to frame a philosophy based on purely moral and spiritual values which would assist in the development of character and help everyone to stand on their own feet. At the start of the proceedings the following motion was carried unanimously: “This conference wishes to express its admiration of the toititu’de of the people of the Mother Country in the present great ordeal, and to’ join in tributes paid to the heroism of our own forces overseas. With a full realisation of the dangers which threaten democratic civilisation, we urge the greatest possible effort by all New promote the maximum war effort, and, further, pledge our support to the nation’s cause till victory is won. We humbly desire to express our sympathy for the relatives of all those who have given their lives m the lighting in Greece and other theatres of war.”

CONFIDENCE IN LEADER. A resolution extending a special welcome to Mr Holland in his ne w capacity as leader of the party, and expressing implicit faith in his ability to provide that leadership so essential to the country at the present time oi crisis, was carried by acclamation. Mr Holland, in reply, paid a special tribute to the veteran members ol the National Party in Parliament, whose retirement was pending. He said that Sir Alfred Ransom and the Hon. J. G. Cobbe had given the country splendid service. The Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, who had announced that he would not stand again for Hurunui if a suitable candidate-was found to replace him, would also be sadly missed in the event of his retirement after long and distinguished parliamentary service. The following resolution was carried, amid applause: “This conference desires also to pay its respects to Mr Hamilton, to place on record its appreciation of his past services, particularly his lasting work in the building of the party organisation during a very difficult period, and to express its pleasure at his presence at the gathering.” Mr Hamilton, in reply, said he had made many friends throughout New Zealand during his strenuous period as leader of the party, and would always be happy to serve the party in any capacity. A resolution was also carried expressing appreciation of the hard work and attention to duty of National Party members in the House.