Mr Holland

Northern Advocate, 1 December 1949, Page 7

Mr Holland

“It is with a heart'full to the very brim with humility and gratitude that I dedicate myself before my countrymen to this great, task and to this great opportunity in which, please God, l shall not fail. ■‘l desire first of all gratefully to acknowledge the congratulations of the Right Hon. the Prime Minister and cordially reciprocate his compliments. “I have always hoped that if this election resulted in disappointment for our side* we would prove ouf'selves big enough to lose with courage, good grace and sportsmanship, “On the other hand, should success come our way 1 had always harboured the hope that we would receive it humbly and with a due sense of reserve and calm. "I hope I may be able to survive that test tonight. FA nil IN CAUSE "There is no one more humble in 'l-v Zealanc at this moment than 1

am,' 1 he continued. "It is not easy to collect and express one’s many thoughts at a time like hi?, but I shall do my best.” Mr Holland expressed his thanks to electors, tc hard-workir.g party members and to the president of the party, Mr W J. Sim, K.C.. and his organisat ion A change of Government was a momentous event and it was “now up to us to give an administration in line with the policy and pledges upon which we have been entrusted with the great honour and responsibility of government "I take up this responsibility with faith in a cause so strongly endorsed by secret ballot of the people,” he stated LOYALTY OF COLLEAGUES "I will be greatly fortified in the tasks which lie ahead by the devoted loyalty of a splendid team of colleages so well equipped by knowledge and experience to discharge the new and weighty duties that will be theirs.” . ‘You may well be assured that we will wish to be a successful administration, with the welfare of the people as our only.goal and objective. "New Zealand is a nation of hardworking and industrious people, who wish to work and live together in harmony, goodwill and happiness. "We must all strive to close any gaps of misunderstanding or suspicion so that a combined effort may be made. ■"By pulling together in the same direction. we i-an lift still further the living standards and happiness of our people wherever they are.

"Let us help our dear old Empire to recover her strength and the place she deserves to occupy m the world. “A GOOD BATTLE” "May 1 extend my compliments to Mr Fraser and say to him that I shall be most happy to collaborate with him as he has collaborated with me in the days that are past ; “We have had a good battle and thej verdict is clear. "Each of us has a heavy public duty ' and responsibility to make our democratic system function smoothly and efficiently, never allowing ourselves to forget that we have been called to high office not to dominate, but to serve. j "When it comes my turn to lay down the burdens of my new office,” Mr Holland added, “I trust that I shall be able to leave behind me a record of service that will merit the respect of the people among whom I was born and brought up,' the people with whom I have defended my country, and the people with whom I have toiled and served ali my life.”