THE NEW OPPOSITION.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXL, Issue 20284, 6 December 1935, Page 10

THE NEW OPPOSITION.

There is something refreshingly broadminded in the attitude of the remnant of the Coalition Administration now represented in the House of Representatives, where they must face the overwhelming majority returned to support the new Labour Administration. Nothing but good wishes have been offered Mr Savage and his colleagues, an attitude of mind that contrasts rather vividly with the failure of their opposing candidates throughout the election campaign to give the least credit to the Government for what it had tried to do. The caucus of the National Party very fittingly expressed appreciation of the splendid work carried out by all Government candidates in placing the Government’s case before the electors during the campaign. It was however, an unequal struggle in face of the restlessness of the people and the torrent of criticism that poured forth from between 130 and 140 platforms that were occupied every evening by parliamentary candidates carrying the banners of the Labour and Democrat Parties. The National Party being composed of confirmed constitutionalists, has, with good grace accepted the verdict of the people, and has made way for the new regime which has the endorsement of the popular verdict. The proceedings of the caucus held this week were characterised by the utmost cordiality and harmony, the following pronouncements having the unanimous endorsement of the gathering: The general feeling of members of the Party is that it is not their intention to Indulge in captious criticism of legislation brought down by the new Government, but to make constructive suggestions, and generally to endeavour to improve measures in their passage through the House. The leadership of the new Opposition almost automatically passed into the keeping of the retiring Prime Minister who, assisted by Mr Coates, can be relied on to serve the country by the faithful and statesmanlike discharge of the onerous duties associated with his new position.