National Party in Conference

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 121, 23 May 1941, Page 7

National Party in Conference

TRIBUTE TO VETERANS AND LEADERS WELLINGTON, May 22. Resolutions passed at the first day’s sitting of the Dominion Conference of the New Zealand National Party included tributes to their new leader (Mr. S. G. Holland) and his predecessor (Hon. Adam Hamilton). At the start of the proceedings the following motion was carried unanimously: “This conference wishes to express its admiration of the fortitude of the people of the Mother Country m their present groat ordeul 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 Zealanders to promote the maximum war effort and further pledgo our support to the nation’s cause till victory is won. lie humbly desire to express our sympathy l'or the relatives of all those who have given their lives in the fighting in Greece and other theatres of war.” A resolution extending a special welcome to Mr. Holland in his new capacity as leader of the party and expressing implicit faith in his ability to provide that leadership so essential to the country in the present time of crisis was carried by acclamation. Mr. Holland, iu reply, paid special tribute to tho veteran members of the National Party in Parliament whose retirement was pending. Ho said Sir Alfred Ransom and Hon. John Cobbe had given tho country splendid service. Mr. Forbes, who announced that he would not stand again for Ilurunui if a ku it able candidate could be found to replace him, would also be sadly missed in the event of his retirement after long and distinguished Parliamentary serThe following resolution was carried amid applause: “That this conference desires also to pay its respects to Hou. A. 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 throughput New Zealand during liis strenuous period as leader of the party, and would always bo happy to serve the party in any capacity. A resolution was also carried expressing appreciation of the hard work and attention to duty of the National Party members in the House.