LEADER'S VIEWS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22580, 19 November 1936, Page 10

LEADER'S VIEWS

ASSUEED OF LOYALTY r "DID NOT COURT POSITION" EARLY VISIT TO AUCKLAND [BY TELEGRAPH—OWN COBRESPONDKNT] INVERCARGILL, Wednesday A statement of his position, as leader of the National Party and comment on the resignation of Sir George Wilson from the party's presidency was made to-night by the Hon. Adam Hamilton. The statement was made as a result of the announcement to-day of Sir George's resignation, and of his statement that he had learned Mr. Hamilton was not assured of a loyal following. "This morning's newspaper report was the first I knew of the resignation of Sir George Wilson as president of the National Political Party," said j Mr. Hamilton. "I very much regret i that a situation should have arisen that would cause him to make this decision, because he was unanimously elected b,> the party, and has done splendid work to organise it and place it on a sound footing. "I think it will be generally realised that I did not court the position of leader of the party. After full consideration on two different occasions, both by the Parliamentary group and by the Dominion council of the National Party, I was chosen to be their leader. £ was assured of a loyal following both inside the House and outside it. 1 expect to be in the Auckland district next week, when I shall hate an opportunity to meet members of the Auckland executive.''