The Times SATURDAY, MAY 24, 1941. Whither the National Party ?

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 122, 24 May 1941, Page 6

The Times SATURDAY, MAY 24, 1941. Whither the National Party ?

During the past six weeks, coincident with one oi the gravest periods of the war, citizens of this country have experienced three political occasions of high consequence. Firstly, the annual Easter conference of the Labour Party; secondly, the local body elections made a political battleground through Labour’s insistence thereon; and now, thirdly, the National Party’s Dominion conference held this week.

To many worthy people this preoccupation with politics appears most deplorable during war conditions such as are now being experienced—a viewpoint in broad principle which can be heartily endorsed. But having regard to our country’s particular circumstances and of the public feeling towards the Government, the practical view must be taken that political interest is both proper and needful.

The Government, the Labour Party, has of its own volition kept atlame the political fires. As ruler of the country, it has called the tune; and to that tune all must keep step.

This is the reason why such keen political interest is manifested to-day—an interest directed particularly towards the National Party, the Official Opposition, and the logical alternative to the Government in power. Arising from consciousness of that is the question asked: Whither the National Party? The answer will be determined by some few key factors: (1) What has this party to offer the electors, in policy and spirit? (2) What reception will these be given by the public? (3) Will there be an election at which the public can exercise its right of choice? (4) Or alternatively, will there be a War Coalition Government which would deprive electors of any voice in selecting its leaders?

For five and a-lialf years the party has been in the wilderness of opposition. It was, measured by seats, overwhelmingly defeated at the 1935 and 1938 elections. But that was a false measure of public feeling, for even in 1938 it enjoyed the support of 45 per cent, of the electors. That was its low-water mark. Judging by the atmosphere of dissatisfaction felt before the local body elections and there overwhelmingly demonstrated the governing Labour Party has lost ground heavily. Experience in 1938, however, shows that these are not a very sound indication of results to come from a Parliamentary general election.

But that party of 1938 was not the party of to-day. The National Party has been reborn. To endeavour to sully it with cries of “Remember the Depression” and “The Old Gang” would be fatuous. As to the latter cry, the position now is that Labour is, in age, the “Old Gang”; and so, too, very largely in ideas. As to recalling the depression of ten years ago that is as Unimaginative as would be comparing a motor-car of that period wifh to-day’s model from the same manufacturer. And just as mechanical advances have been made there so, too, have there been advances in statecraft.

New in leadership and spirit, largely so in personnel of candidates and members, and also in local membership and executives, the National Party has become “a 1941 model.” This was well in evidence at the party’s conference this week. So it is that the party now offers electors an acceptable alternative to that in power. Whether or not this rennaissance will be rewarded next October by office is above all dependent upon whether or not there will be an election. If there be an election there is every probability of a Government defeat.

As to the likelihood of the election, normally due within five months, being postponed there seems to be but a meagre prospect. Owing, above all, to the fact that the Labour Party has refused the one course that would have provided any justification whatsoever for not holding an election —the refusal of a war coalition, non-party, all talents Government. The public are therefore entitled to exercise a choice as to which party shall be given office. That right could not be gainsaid except in case of our own shores being actually attacked.

When this election contest takes place, as appears to be now almost inevitable, the National Party will enter with an added great strength in that it has announced definitely that if returned to power it will form that coalition, all talents, non-party War Government so desired by citizens. Thus its return would mean an end to politics for the duration. There is seen, therefore, a strong probability that within six months the National Party will be on the Treasuiy Benches.