A WAR DEBATE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 35, 9 February 1917, Page 6

A WAR DEBATE.

IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. ESSENTIALS OF VICTORY. MILITARY HARMONY. FULL USE OF RESOURCES. (Australian and X.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, February 8. The Address-in-Reply was moved in the House oi Commons to-day by Mr. C. A. Mccurdy, Liberal member for Northampton, u-iio said: "We ail desire peact-, but not in a hurry. Some things wo want to do first. Our instincts revolt at tne tuought of negotiating with the authors oi tne atrocities in Belgium and vie aiders and abettors of the massacres in Armenia, until they are soundly and decisively defeated." • ' Admiral Sir H. Meux, Conservative member lor Portsmouth, in seconding j the motion, said that as the Zeppelin . menace had been ended it was not too i much to hope, thai vie Navy would sucj cessfuliy counter tho submarines. Tho i Navy was completely confident. TKIBUT2 TO THE iONG. Mr. ASijuilh said that the nation's only duty was to be united in determination .to prosecute the war. He paid a tribute 1.0 the King's continuous selfeil'aceiuent and devotion. The King and yueen nad set an example to their subjects. Mr. Aaquith added that in large measure tin; elhciency of the blockade was due to the Deli-sacrifice and gallantry of the mercantile marine, lie sought information as to the (joveriuaeiit's labour, lood, and shipbuilding schemes. \ Mr. Asquith said Germany's iatest threat was substantially a declaration ol j war on the neutral world. Germany expected acquiescence or a merely verbal j protest. It was, therefore, all the mora gratifying: to find the stern, resblute determination of the other great English-1 speaking community to frustrate the great enormity proposed by the enemies i of the human race. The Allies must j secure a victory which would pave the ; way to abiding peace and safeguard the future of humanity. Two essentials for victory were the closest co-ordination of the plans and operations of the Allies and complete concentration of home re- ] sources. He appealed to everyone to I discharge his duty, remembering that he' was a trustee of the greatest cause in existence. VARIOUS MATTERS. Mr. Bonar Law (Chancellor of the Exchequer) said Mr. Asquith's speech was the best possible testimony of the country's unity. In answer to Mr. Asquith, Mr. Bonar Law stated that thers ■were 60,000 fit men engaged in agriculture. It had been decided that 20,000 should enlist, provided substitutes were found. Mr. Bonar Law concluded by saying: "Napoleon roused the world because, of his lust for conquest. There will be the same result now." Mr. E. J. Wardle, Labour member for Stockport, endorsed the appeal for union, and said he hoped Labour Would be coca suited on important questions. Mr. J". King, Liberal member for North Somerset, urged the relaxation of the censorship, and asked for a statement regarding Ireland. The debate was adjourned. Mr. Barnes asked for power to introduce a bill dealing with war pensions, and Mr. Henderson gave notice of a bill dealing with national service.