NATIONAL PARTY

Kaikoura Star, Volume LVI, Issue 91, 19 November 1936, Page 3

NATIONAL PARTY

PRESIDENT RESIGNS “LOYAL FOLLOWING NOT ASSURED” AUCKLAND. November 17. The resignation of Sir George Wilson from the office of president of the National Political Party is announced This development. which follows closely on the tense political situation which arose from the resignation of the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes : s lead Opposition, is expected to have an important bearing on the future of the Opposition in Parliament. In announcing his resignation, Sir George Wilson said a state of affairs had been reached in the activities of the party which made his action definite and irrevocable. * 1 When the parliamentary members of the National Partv chose the Hon. Adam Hamilton as their leader at the close of the session recently.” Sir George said. 1 f assurances were given that there would be absolute loyalty to the new leader. The selection of Mr Hamilton was subsequently endorsed by the Dominion council of the party, which met in Wellington at the same time. I now find that a loyal following for Mr Hamilton is not assured. As recently as last week there

was an effort in Auckland to have tl matter of the leadership reconsiders apparently with a view to replacing 31 Hamilton by Mr C. A. Wilkinson, men ber of Parliament for Egmont. Tl party as constituted chose Mr Hami ton and owes him undivided loyalty. “Personally. I cannot and will n< be a party to these political manoeuv ings, and although my best efforts hav been put forward to build up a soun political organisation on sound cohse vative lines, I now feel that thoefforts •cannot further ho of use to th National Party/’