MANY PHASES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20414, 26 November 1940, Page 11

MANY PHASES

PARTY LEADERSHIP NATIONAL CAUCUS COMPLICATED POSITION WAR CABINET POSTS (Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. The National Party caucus, at which the leadership question will be discussed, was delayed this morning owing to the necessity of the Hon. A. Hamilton, and the Rl. Hon. .1. G Coates to attend the War Cabinet, which meets almost daily.' An early decision on the question of leadership is not expected as there is much ground to be cleared before anything like unanimity can be reached. In fact some of the phases yet to be settled are so vitally important that a precipitate decision would create a serious situation within the party itself. For instance, the question is asked whether Mr. Hamilton’s resignation of the leadership should accompany his retirement from the War Cabinet It was Mr. Hamilton who carried out these negotiations, in close association with Mr. Coates, who is his colleague in the War Cabinet. The Government party approved these additions to the Cabinet, but it does not follow that it would continue to support Opposition representation if the personnel wai changed. Supporters of Mr. Hamilton Another complication threatening the peace of mind of Nationalists favouring a change in leadership is the fear that if Mr. Hamilton is deprived both of leadership and his Cabinet position Mr. Coates would show his disapproval in a decisive manner. There is a strong block ot supporters of Mr. Hamilton in the caucus and at the moment a picking of cards does not suggest a majority for the most-advertised alternative. Mr. S. G. Holland. However, if the position is made open by Mr. Hamilton’s resignation which has not been placed before tlw party, other aspirants than Mr. Hoilend are likely to emerge. There is, for instance, a growing opinion tha l Mr. Coates would command more gen. oral confidence during the war period However, this is another of the com plications which may take many discussions nefore the party is- able W announce its final decision. All Opposition Elements In addition, there.is a desire among a number of Nationalist members to consider the possibility of bringing together all opposition elements now organising against the Government throughout the country. Their policies so far agree only in hostility to Labour’s domestic programme, but there is seme belief that under suitable new leadership the National Party may secure a considerable amount of backing from other opposition elements. Clearly emerging from all these complications is the outstanding point that in the event of Mr. Hamilton being deposed from the leadership this will be regarded by what is known as “the old gang” as a motion of want of confidence which will be followed inevitably by the resignation of both Mr Hamilton and Mr. Coates from the War Cabinet. The caucus adjourned at lunch time without having reached a decision on the leadership question. There are 19 members present, the absentees being the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes and Sir Apirana Ngata, while Messrs. J. Hargest, J. M. Allen, A. N. Grigg, and T. L. MacDonald are on active service. Careful Handling Needed It was mentioned by a member of the party that the leadership question needed to be tackled carefully and no action taken which might affect the unity or prejudice the future welfare >f the party. The new member for Waipawa, Mr. C. G. E. Harker, was welcomed by Mr. Hamilton, who declared that he had made a wonderful fight and certainly came in at a time when great issues were before the country, in which his experience and sound judgment would be of value.