Back to Basics

On the last day of the Christchurch conference we were treated to George Chapman waxing lyrical in a climactic speech to delegates. Chapman, the president of the Party, had first brought up this issue after ground was lost by the Party in last year's election and in the face of failing popular opinion of the Parliamentary team. And so it was logical that Chapman should cast his eye to the 1981 election.

A leader in the 'back to basics' movement within the National Party, Chapman claimed that the Party was at a "crossroads"; that it had two choices. The first was to "tiptoe timidly" into the 1980's (with the same "she'll be right" attitude prevalent in the late 1960,s) or, the Party could "go boldly", giving "purpose and direction to all New Zealanders". Naturally enough, George quite likes this second choice, and he backed it up with the exhortation to move ahead with "colours flying" and "with our flag flying on our philosophical masthead."

Well, if you have read this far, you may be be wondering what all this means. And, of course, it's not an unreasonable request. So, I will attempt to give you my interpretation.