THE OPPOSITION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23044, 21 November 1936, Page 14

THE OPPOSITION

CLEAVAGE FAVOURED REVIVAL OF REFORM PARTY DISSENSION IN COALITION RANKS (Per United Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, Nov, 20. "I think that there is only one solution to the political and domestic problems now facing the Opposition Party—that is a definite cleavage and a return to the old party alignment which existed before the 1931 elections,” said Mr H. S. S. Kyle, chief Opposition Whip in the House of Representatives when commenting in an interview this evening on the resignation of Sir George Wilson from the presidency of the National Party. Mr Kyle voiced his firm conviction that recent developments in the National Party have paved the way for a strong revival of the old Reform Party. This reyival, he said, was imminent.

“I firmly believe that the time has arrived after four and a-half years of an unsuccessful coalition partnership for a strong attempt to be made to build up the old Reform Party to its former greatness,” Mr Kyle said. “I believe that we can again develop our former strength of organisation and influence, and that with a progressive, vigorous new policy we should be in a position in 1938 to offer this country a programme which will save it from the obviously dire results of a continuation of the Labour Government’s socialistic plans. “ For the four and a-half years of the coalition, but particularly in the last six months, there has been far too much intrigue and dissension between the two parties to enable the arrangement to work successfully. We have not been an efficient single political unit. It has been obvious for many months now that the split must come. „ . “ The present situation, Mr Kyle said, “is evidence of this. The resignation of Sir George Wilson has brought it home beyond doubt. His resignation was brought about by the intrigue which has been going on for so long both within the Parliamentary Party and outside. It simply became impossible Sir George Wilson to retain his position as it had become apparent to him that he did not possess the full loyalty of the men who had but a short time previously promised him their whole-hearted support. There have even been a number of the members of the Opposition who, after promising their loyalty, have indulged in clandestine meetings held to discuss action which could only be interpreted as disloyal. “ Long before Parliament finished this year,” Mr Kyle said, “it became apparent to me that the Opposition could not work as a united party and that we were then faced with the urgent need for a return to the old grouping if we were to be in a position to fight the Labour programme at all successfully as an Opposition. Everyone knew that we were not able to fight as a single unit. At one stage, after very serious consideration of the position, Messrs Coates, Hamilton, Endean, T. D. Burnett and myself were on the verge of forming an independent Reform group working in Parliament independently of the other sections of the Opposition, We were certain, moreover, of the support we needed from enough other < members to give us a majority in the Opposition. Only constitutional difficulties, one being the position in which such a move would place the Leader, prevented us from making the split there and then, but we did definitely make up our minds that the cleavage had to come, “This present crisis offers the opportunity for the parties to split, Mr Kyle continued, “and for the revival of the Reform Party along lines which I am sure could gam for it all its old strength. Naturally, we must have an advanced policy to suit new conditions, but it will be a policy giving the people of New Zealand freedom of action, retaining the best ideals of democracy, and preserving private enterprise and individualism.” , . Mr Kyle said that it was certain that none of the Reform supporters inside or outside the present National Party would support the leadership of Mr C. A. Wilkinson, M.P. for Egmont. “Mr Wilkinson has proved that he would not be suitable as a leader, Mr Kyle said. “ For instance, he had an opportunity to show his attitude when he was asked to join the Coalition. He refused, declaring that he would be under the leadership of no man. We consider he has failed us once. “ The great majority of the people behind the National Party are actually strong supporters of the old Reform ideals,” Mr Kyle added. “I am sure they will welcome its revival under able leadership ana with an up-to-date policy. This recent development has launched the revival on its way.” VOTE OF CONFIDENCE NATIONAL PARTY LEADER A PLEDGE OF LOYALTY (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON,. Nov. 20. A resolution of confidence in Mr Adam Hamilton as Leader of the National Party, which was carried at Thursday night’s meeting in Palmerston North, after an address by Mr J. Hargest, was forwarded today to the party’s Wellington headquarters. The resolution is as follows That this meeting affirms its decision to support to the utmost the New Zealand National Party in its fight for the principles set out by Mr Hamilton, and pledges its loyal support to the selected leader.”