MR S. G. HOLLAND

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21822, 27 November 1940, Page 6

MR S. G. HOLLAND

Holland’s selection by a clear majority. The selection was then endorsed on open vote. Mr Holland takes over his new duties and will lead the party in the House when Parliament reassembles this afternoon.” “The National Party representation on the War Cabinet, which was one of the principal aspects of the question under discussion by the caucus, was settled by unanimous approval of the following resolution: ‘This caucus of the Parliamentary Opposition unanimously endorses the appointment of the Hon. A. Hamilton and the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates in the War Cabinet, and asks them to continue in office and records its high appreciation of the work they have rendered to New Zealand and the Empire as members of the War Cabinet.’ “The following appreciation of Mr Hamilton’s services was also unanimously endorsed: ‘This caucus of the Parliamentary Opposition places on record its deep appreciation of the sterling self-sacrificing services rendered to the party by Mr Hamilton as Leader of the Opposition during four arduous years in which, through his inspiring work the strength and prestige of the party has steadily grown.’ ’’ Statement By Mr Hamilton In the course of an interview tonight, Mr Hamilton said he laid down the burden of his task at the request of his colleagues without any regrets at the steepness of the grade the party had faced and climbed successfully. His four years of leadership of the National Party from the depths of defeat had been full of interest. With the support of staunch friends the Opposition had built on a sound foundation and he would not be human if he did not feel some pride in the continuous progress during the four years. Relief from his position as Leader of the Opposition would enable him to give his absolutely undivided attention to the work of the War Cabinet, which every day became more urgent and important. Mr Hamilton said he appreciated the tribute that had been paid to him by his colleagues in confirming both Mr Coates and himself in their War Cabinet posts, and he promised friends and people everywhere that a., that was possible would be done by them both to see that co-operation in New Zealand’s section of the war effort in support of the Mother Country in her dire hour of trial was 100 per cent. “Our first task to-day is the war effort and our first aim victory,” said Mr Hamilton in conclusion.”