NATIONAL GOVERNMENT

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 167, 17 July 1941, Page 16

NATIONAL GOVERNMENT

CALLED FOR BY FARMERS (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Wednesday. A remit urging the setting up of a i Government uniting all sections of I the community in the greatest possible effort for the successful prosei cution of the war was carried on the voices at the annual Dominion conference of the New Zealand Farmers' Union in Wellington to-day. "Our people to-day feel the need for unity, and are doing their best to get unity, but the powers that be seem deteri mined not to concede it," said Mr. R. G. Bishop (Southbridge, North Canterbury), in moving the remit.

Mr. H. M. Rushworth (Auckland) said what was wanted was effective criticism of all Government action, but when a party was whip-ridden the most logical arguments had no effect whatever. "I think it would be tragic if a general election were to take place," Mr. Rushworth said.

"We have no guarantee that we are going to get a Coalition Government in the present circumstances, and no guarantee that we are going to have an election," said Mr. H. J. McLeavey (Manawatu). "We know we have a chance of a coalition if the Opposition is returned to power." The conference carried without dissent a motion by Mr. McLeavey "that failing the formation of a truly National Government this conference considers that a general election is urgently called for."