PEOPLE’S MOVEMENT

Grey River Argus, 18 March 1941, Page 2

PEOPLE’S MOVEMENT

_ Party Expediency (CRITICISM OF NATIONALISTS. WELLINGTON, March 17. Unanimous approval of the public 'statement made by the Aucnland Division of the People’s Movement, repudiating the alleged merger With the National Party, was expressed by a meeting of members of the Dominion Executive and representatives of committees of the movement, on Friday. With one exception, all sections of the movement in New Zealand were represented The chairman (Mr James Crisp, of Auckland) said that the meetingdecided there was absolute necessity for the movement to continue, and that it should conduct an immediate and intensive campaign throughout New Zealand. Headquarters will remain in Wellington. Mr A. E. Davy is continuing as Dominion organiser. Mr Crisp said that the recent manoeuvring over the question ot a National Government and the General Election showed clearly that party expediency was the chief , consideration. Such tactics were conductive to obstruction and weakening of the war effort. Party strife should cease at once and a JXauwual Government should be formed. There should be an immediate announcq* ment that the elections were being postponed. The domestic policies of the parties should be dropped, and a War Council set up, comprising the best brains of the country, inside and outside the House. EX-PRESIDENT’S PLEA. WELLINGTON, March 17. “In coml,eting negotiations for the merger of the People’s Movement with the National Party, I acted with the unanimous approval of me Dominion Executive,’’ Mr E. R. Toop, late president of the movement, who arranged the 1 merger with Mr Holland, said to-day. “I am, moreover, convinced that the arrangement concluded has the overwhelming support of our members and supported. Mr Holland’s advocacy of a National Government after the election is fully in keeping with the unification of the ideals of the People's Movement, and for less party in government. If any members cannot accept the position, they are fully entitled to take what action they like, but I fail to see how any father disruption can .achieve tip unity for which we were working.”