MR CHAMBERLAIN'S POPULARITY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 28 February 1939, Page 6

MR CHAMBERLAIN'S POPULARITY

NEVER HIGHER IN GREAT BRITAIN VIEWS OF EARL DERBY’S SISTER lUoited Frtujg Associaiioni WELLINGTON, This Day. Recent rumours that Mr Neville Chamberlain’s days as Prime Minister are numbered because of his policy of concession to totalitarian States during the European crisis, were emphatically discounted by the Hon. Mrs F. Stanley, who arrived by the Awatea to-day on a holiday visit after spending five weeks in Australia. Mrs Stanley, who is a sister of Earl Derby, and an aunt of Mr Oliver Stanley, President of the Board of Trade, said that she had for many years closely followed political events in England and claimed to know something of what was going on behind the scenes. She said that Mr Chamberlain’s popularity amongst the people of Great Britain had never been higher. Rearmament was throwing a heavy burden on the nation, but the people were bearing it without complaint because they realised that, under the present circumstances, no other course was possible. “We do not say very much, but we are much better prepared for any eventuality than many people think.” During her stay in Australia sue, was the guest of the Governor-General. Lord Gowrie. She said that she had formed a very high opinion of the people of Australia and admired the way they were facing up to the problem of defence.