The National Party

The National Party had been much the more ruthless one in getting rid of Leaders who were unsuitable or tardy in stepping down and making room. In 1940 Adam Hamilton, a solid but uninspiring leader under whom National had lost two elections and looked set to lose another, was replaced by Sidney Holland after local branches had reported that the party could not win an election without a drastic facelift. Although Hamilton was not keen to go caucus decided decisively for Holland. The change made a great difference to party fortunes. In 1957, however, it was again "time for a change" in the opinion of many Nationalists. This opinion was perhaps not wholeheartedly shared by Sir Sidney himself. The "Manchester Guardian's" New Zealand correspondent wrote,

The Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage

"Delegates of the National Party today listened impassively as Mr Holland made his announcement and reserved the greatest applause for Mr Holyoake. Inevitably their reaction suggested that party pressure rather than the health issue had forced a decision on Mr Holland. That pressure has already led several stalwarts, including the Speaker, Sir Matthew Oram, and Mr J. N. Massey, son of a former Prime Minister to announce that they are not seeking reelection. The National Party intends to out away its dead-wood before the electorate decides to do so." Sir Sidney's departure was not as happy as it might have been, but it is the only example New Zealand has seen so far of a Prime Minister in office retiring gracefully and handing over power to a well-groomed successor.