OPPOSITION LEADER

Grey River Argus, 20 January 1943, Page 4

OPPOSITION LEADER

NATIONALIST ESTIMATE. The December issue of the “New Zealand National Review,’’ a journal largely representing the viewpoint of the manufacturers of the Dominion, answering a correspondent says.— A.C.N. (Auckland). —It was nice of you to write at such length to tell us all about the good qualities of Mr S. G. Holland as Leader of the Opposition. It hurts us to have to inform you that we still hold the same opinions: (1) That as Leader of the Opposition he has shown little judgment; and (2) that there is room for doubt as to whether Mr Holland would be the leader to whom the public would turn were they seeking a change. It hurts us because we, too, would like to see some prophet arising in the House, whatever his political colour. We are glad to note in. your apologia that he is “straight as a die,” a worker (started at 5s a week, you say. Wasn’t he a member (of the union?) and a returned soldier and we are glad, too. that “in everything Mr Holland has been actuated by the highest motives. He has refused at any stage to allow party considerations to influence his course of action.” We understand that his oarty is particularly pleased about that. Our own opinion is that Mr Holland has been floundering about, apparently hoi quite sure what were party considerations or national considerations. A, far his “highest motives,” well, the path to political oblivion has, like the path to Hades, been often paved with good intentions. But, perhaps, you sav it all in vour final paragraph: “Those who criticise Mr Holland are either actuated by unfriendly motives or else have not had the opportunity of forming a correct appreciation of his ability and high sense of responsibility . . • In normal times he would by now have met the people face to face on public platforms throughout the country... .Thousands of people know him only by name.” What has stopped him from meeting the people face to face on public platforms A man of the type you. describe should be able to fill the public with a burning zest for the war effort, for national savings, for sinking party differences, and also for the Leader of the Opposition. Knowing all,. . yet with no Ministerial responsibilities, he should be a beacon light on the national path to victory. (As an example, take Wendell Willkie). He doesn’t need an election campaign to get out and meet the people. And -he doesn’t need advertisements that hint at indiscreet disclosures either. You finish: “It is significant that within his partv, which to-day, more than ever, represents the groat bulk of the non-Labour public, his popularity and prestige have never stood higher.” Surely you are wrong there. Wasn’t there a time when he Was rather well regirded by all sections of th e party, or is it that all those who didn’t appreciate his qualities have now resigned? We assure vou, “A.C.N.,” that we are rot the" bit unfriendly to Mr Holland; it is just that, like the rest of New Zealand, we havn’t had the time to run round loking for the bushel under which lie hides his light.