THE NATIONAL PARTY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 109, 9 May 1936, Page 8

THE NATIONAL PARTY

j Sj, — lt i> interesting to by Press reports that a meeting of the Nationalist Parly will be held al Wellington some limo next week, when the future of the party will be discussed and possibly an agreement on policy 'matters decided 111*11. j A Press notice, from Dunedin throws a significant light upon the situation regarding the all-important question of leadership; and although subsequently denied, it was indicated that Dunedin was desirous of affecting changes which it was considered would strengthen the chances of those in opposition to Labour at the polls iu a little more than two years hence. Personally, while quite friendly to Alessrs. Forbes and Coates, I would like to express the opinion that if Ihe party in Opposition continues to be led by these gentlemen, failure is inevitable, and that Labour will hold the Treasury benches for a further term. Consider the record of both leaders: AL Coates received a great majority in 1925, and three years later suffered a disastrous defeat at the polls, losing 50 per cent, of his followers—including no less than four members of his Cabinet. In 193 J, in conjunction with Mr. Forbes, success was achieved at the polls, the Nationalist J’arty being returned with a substantial majority. Four years later (1935) the Nationalists, led by Messrs. Forbes and Coates, were reduced to a negligible number—three .Reform Cabinet Alinisters being included in the list of defeated candidates, and for the first time in our history a Labour Government sits in the New Zealand Parliament, and we take our c-rders from it. No sane person wo*ild claim Liat Labour achieved the viclory because of its policy—Labour won its majority because of the failure of the National ist Government to retain the confidence of the people who voted to oust Alcssrs. Forbes and Coates—no matter what the cost might be. even the price of a Labour Government. Can we stand another risk c.-f defeat under these leaders; and will the country respond to their appeal? Clearly, (-hero is a great doubt about the future, and the country is demanding new leadership; a new rallying point —a fresh alignment—consolidating all interests opposing Labour and its policy, and the country is entitled to an opportunity of expressing it spit on these lines. Alternatively, when the Nationalist Party goes to the poll, its opponents greatest asset will be he discredited heads of the old brigade—Messrs. 1 orbes and Coates —both minority members, not to inenliou still another gentleman, a member of the Legislative Council who is credited with many of tha political moves which brought about the unpopularity of the lute Govern meot. It might be asked: Where are we to get other men to lead and are such men available, or arc they n<)‘./ Remembering that there are, ’oughly, 425,000 men electors in the Dominion, the writer declines to subscrioe to the statement that we have no alternative —either in or out of Parliament. It is more than probable that we have the men, but they can never come to the front unless the chance is offered, and it cannot be offered unless those who are at present in the position of leaders either voluntarily retire, or, failing this, are deposed by their immediate followers in Parliament or by others outside. In any case, the firFt consideration is not the welfare of Alcssrs. Forbes and Coates c-r any other set of men. but Ihe well-being, the security, and the happiness of our people.-I am, “STUDENT,” We 11 ing 10 n.