FULL SUPPORT

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21083, 9 April 1940, Page 6

FULL SUPPORT

MR BARNARD EXPLAINS BRANCH SHOWS CONFIDENCE LOYAL REPRESENTATIVE (By Telegraph.—Press Association) HASTINGS, Monday Confidence in the Hon. W. E. Barnard as member for Napier was expressed by a majority of two to one at a meeting of the Napier branch of the Labour Party tonight. Mr Barnard’s resignation from the party was discussed fully and the following resolution was carried:— “That this branch of the New Zealand Labour Party, having fully considered the action of the member for Napier, Mr Barnard, and his reasons, endorses the step he has taken, affirms its confidence in him as a loyal and efficient representative of the Labour movement and assures him of its wholehearted support.” It was stated officially after the meeting, which was attended by 170 members of the party, and presided over by Mr D. B. Mcßae, president of the branch, that the proceedings were conducted in an orderly manner throughout. Mr Barnard addressed the meeting and explained what had led to his action and what was involved in it. There was a full discussion of the situation in which numerous questions were raised and were replied to by Mr Barnard. When the result of the voting was announced, it is stated, it was greeted with cheers and the singing of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” Mr Barnard is to address the electors of Napier at a later date and explain the position fully to them. LETTER TO HAND TO RECEIVE CONSIDERATION (By ’Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Monday The resignation of the Hon. W. E. Barnard, Speaker of the House of Representatives and member for Napier, from the New Zealand Labour Party was received this evening by the Prime Minister, the Hon. P. Fraser. Mr Barnard’s letter reached Mr Fraser at 6.5 o’clock, just before the conclusion of a meeting of the Cabinet. Mr Fraser subsequently stated that the letter would receive his consideration and he would forward a reply to Mr Barnard in due course. NOT A SURPRISE MR C. L. CARR RECEIVES NEWS DICTATORSHIP ISSUE (By Telegraph.—ness Association) TIMARU, Monday Commenting on the Hon. W. E. Barnard’s resignation from the official Labour Party, Mr C. L. Carr, M.P. for Timaru, said Mr Barnard’s action did not come as a complete surprise to him, although he had endeavoured to dissuade him from taking it for the present at least.

Mr Carr said that to his knowledge Mr Barnard felt with increasing regret that the party in power no longer followed the ideals that had led him to join it, nor was it adequately carrying out the policy and principles with which it went to the country and on which it was so decisively returned at the past two elections. Mr Barnard had been further influenced strongly by the attitude of the Hon. P. Fraser in the recent caucus of the Parliamentary Labour Party that he had declined to accept a motion, prior to the election of the leader, for democratic control within the party, and had further refused to take the election of leader by a secret ballot on the preferential system. As Mr Fraser had twice assured caucus that he did not wish to be a dictator, on the first occasion prior to the lamented death of Mr Savage, Mr Carr said he and other members were prepared to give Mr Fraser every opportunity of proving himself and redeeming his promises. However, Mr Barnard had decided to make the break now. The best wishes of all democratically and fairminded people would go with Mr Barnard. NO COMMENT TO MAKE UNNECESSARY, SAYS MR FRASER (By Tel^grapn—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Tuesday “I have no comment to matye,” said the Prime Minister, the Hon. P. Fraser today, in reference to the Rev. Clyde Carr, M.P.’s statement. “No comment is necessary on such astatement.”