LEADERSHIP.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 145, 20 June 1940, Page 10

LEADERSHIP.

IS IT EFFECTIVE ?

MR. HAMILTON CRITICAL. WE NEED GUIDANCE. (By Telegraph—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON,.this day.. A request that the. .''Government should make its intentions behind the Emergency War Regulations clear- to the country was made'by .the Leader of the Opposition, the'Hon.'.Adam Hamilton, in the House of Representatives yesterday.- He said New Zealand should be all out' to make its "all-in" policy 100 per cent effective. "People may not -be particularly concerned about party polities," said Mr. Hamilton, "but they, are concerned about New Zealand's war effort, and it is for this House, to set- itself -to the task of giving the sentiments expressed by the Prime Minister practical application. Xew Zealand should be all out to make its 'all-in' policy 100 per cent effective. Are we all out? Are we fully extended to-day on our' 'all-in' policy? The whole country is waiting for an inspiring lcid as to how it can best serve. The Minister, of Manpower will have a very big task directing manpower to its respective ■places. Today democracy is being severely tested. It is a question whether countries governed by democratic principles will bo able to withstand the power and effectiveness of Hitler and his policy. Quick decisions will have to be made. O&n democracy build a nation of people that can hold their own against the Hitler ■philosophy and policy? I believe it can, but it will have to !bo handled in a responsible manner. to achieve its aim." Social Security. Mr. Hamilton "continued that if they were going to consider their social security and living conditions ahead of national security and the Empire's needs they might have to take the consequences of "missing the bus." They had passed emergency legislation and now they had important and extensive Emergency Regulations, but ■they still not not know what was to be done and how it wa v to be done. "They are of a general nature and the same type ail the legislation itself," said Mr. Hamilton. "Why cannot we be : told the details of the Government's intentions? Why is the Government keeping Hβ intentions so secret?" The Prime Minister: It is not keeping them secret. Mr. Hamilton: Well, what is its policy regarding some of the proposals —the 40-hour week, for instance 1 They do not say what the Government is going to do. Then tike conscription—" ' The War Council. The Prinie' Minister:,' If the hon. "entlem'aii ciiine on .'.o the War Councilhe would have av- * -e 'in saying what should be done. Mr. Hamilton: It is fairly extensive , mow,, ;.I. think it is a pretty big party without us. ;.'' Tie'regulations, he went on, did not ! toil "iliem what -the Government intended to,do with its powers. . The Prime Minister: We will tell you. There will be no trouble about that. ■Mr. Hamilton: Some day. Are we to be treated like children and told to run away .home ? : The , Prime Minister: Not unless you act' like children. ■''■'. ; Parliament's Session. Mr. Hamilton ': Will the War Council supersedo Parliament? Are we to be told to adjourn and leave the running of the country to the Council and Cabinet? How loiig is Parliament going to be .in session and how long are we going to have a voice? This uncertainty'.'should be ended. This is necessary if we are to- get 'confidence in the community and the required results. • 'ThV Cabinet might be able to say that they were doing everything, but were they the people who were best qualified to judge? said Mr. Hamilton. There were practically no farmers in the Cabinet. Without being offensive, it could be said that about 100 per cent of the present War Cabinet .had not only had no experience of military matters, but also had been violently opposed to anything military. Dr. McMillan's Appointment. No one could say that the new appointment to Cabinet, the Hon. D. G. McMillan, would inspire in the community any new enthusiasm for the Government's war effort. Why did they not put a returned soldier in to strengthen Cabinet with some returned soldiers' ideas or knowledge, or put one of the farmer members in? "We need the lead and the policy that will inspire and "make" Hie all-in policy a success," Mr. Hamilton continued. One of the greatest needs in the winning of the war was to bind the people with a united, determined effort so that they would make a 100 per cent contribution. "We have a self-satisfied Government,' , Mr. Hamilton concluded. "That is unfortunate. No Government should think it has done all that can be done. They say they do not need any help, that they can easily handle this emergency. While this is so the country lacks the unity, determination and willing submission for any necessary sacrifice."