COALITION?

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 158, 5 July 1940, Page 9

COALITION?

QUESTION RAISED.

LEADER OF COUNTRY.

SOMEWHERE IN BACKGROUND'

(By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. Describing himself as a non-party man, Mr. Wilkinson (Independent, Kginont), in the Budget debate in the House of Representative* yesterday, said that he could discuss the question of some form of political coalition, without prejudice. Party government always failed in a time of crisis, and the best men from all sides of the House were needed at the present time.

The country was much disturbed at the moment, and confidence was lacking, Mr. Wilkinson said. The country was not satisfied that the best possible was being don*. The Prime Minister had declared a few days ago that he was the loader of the Government and would lead the country. Mr. Wilkinson said that lie disputed that. The Prime Minister wa« rather the executive head, and the leader was somewhere in the background.

"To-day the country is looking for more than the leader of a partv," Mr. Wilkinson said. "It wants a lea'der for the country. What it wants is an opportunity—"

The Minister of Health (Mr. Armstrong) : What an opportunity it missed when it didn't get you!

Mr. Wilkinson: Quite right. The lion, gentleman is very seldom right, but he is right this time.

What was wanted at the present time was all tlie best men available to lead the country, he continued. Party government always broke down in a crisis, and when great crises aroee Britain always called on the %est from all parties to help. The same should have [>oen done in Now Zealand, and he hoped it would be clone yet. Party should go into the background for the'duration of the war.