NATIONALIST RECRUIT

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19132, 29 September 1936, Page 9

NATIONALIST RECRUIT

MR. WILKINSON’S CHANGE SOCIALISM OPPOSED Interviewed at Eltimni on his return from 'Wellington, Mr. (J. A. Wilkinson, M.l’., for Kgniont, who recently announced that he had joined the ranks ol ihe Opposition in iariiuinent, made a brief statement regarding his decision. He said that in view oi the definitely Socialistic objectives of the present Government he felt it his Loundeii duty to associate with the party' in opposition. He did this with some- regret inasmuch as lie would have prelerrect t.c retain his individuality us an Independent member. The political situation; however, had changed so completely since last general election that in hi.opinion the needs of the country wen paramount as against tjie necessity o: individual predilections. “Now that I have- become a membei of the Opposition, 1 shall give tin party my wholehearted support and hi loyal to any leader the party may elect,’ said Mr. Wilkinson. it was generally understood, he con Linued, that the Kt. lion. G. W. Forbes was quite willing to abide by any d'eei sion the party might come to. in lb matter of leadership. Mr. Forbes, ii Mr. Wilkinson’s opinion, was entitled ti great credit for the stand lie- was tak ing. Mr. Wilkinson could not indicate however, who the next lender would be “It is certain,” he said', “that then will be more than one candidate, am whoever assumes the mantle of leader ship will need to devote considerabh time and energy in protecting the in terests of all those outside the rank of Socialism.” Mr. Wilkinson added that when tin session had ended the party in. opposi t.ion would hold a meeting lo- decide til vital question of leadership.