NATIONAL PARTY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXL, Issue 20283, 5 December 1935, Page 8

NATIONAL PARTY

MR FORBES AS PARLIAMENTARY LEADER By relegraph— Press Association WELLINGTON, December 4 At a mfeeting to-day of the Parliamentary members of the National Party, Mr Forbes was elected leader of the Opposition, and Mr Coates deputyleader. Although two or three of the number were not present they had telegraphed their reasons for their inability to attend. A motion of sympathy was passed in respect of the death of Mr R. S. Williams and reference was made to the great loss the Dominion and the Gisborne district in particular had suffered by his death. A second motion expressed appreciation of the splendid work carried out by all National Government candidates in placing the Government’s case before the electors during the campaign, and also of the untiring efforts of their committees and supporters throughout the country.. Keen regret was also expressed at the number of late members of Parliament who had unfortunately lost their seats, men who had had worthy records of Parliamentary service and who had stood loyally by the Government during the difficulties of the last few years. The proceedings were characterised by the utmost cordiality and harmony, and at the conclusion the following motion was carried unanimously: “That this meeting of Parliamentary members of the National Party affirms its- determination to carry out its duties as His Majesty’s Opposition in the New Zealand Parliament, and to take such action as it deems advisable in the interests of the citizens of New Zealand. It also declares its allegiance to the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, as Leader of the Opposition, and the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates as its Deputy-Leader.” The general feeling of members of the Party was that it was not their intention to indulge in captious criticism of the legislation brought down by the new Government, but to make suggestions of a constructive nature and generally endeavour to improve the measures in their passage through the House.