CRITICAL HOUR

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 247, 18 October 1941, Page 5

CRITICAL HOUR

LEADERS' WARNING WAR POSSIBILITIES PARLIAMENT ADJOURNS (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day.

Parliament dispersed late yesterday afternoon at the conclusion of the session at what was regarded as the most critical moment since the war began. This was the note struck by both the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, and the Leader of the Opposition, Mr./ Holland, in their valedictory speeches.

The formal motion was for adjournment until October 31, but the Prime Minister made it clear that if the situation, particularly as it concerns the Pacific, became worse the House would be called together at the first moment it became necessary to do so.

in moving the adjournment motion, the Prime Minister said he felt he was doing so at the most critical moment since September 3, 1939. He did not want to develop the thought, but everyone felt that at the present moment with Russia in retreat, and the Government evacua- ) ting Moscow and the Ambassadorial staffs also leaving in front of the enemy, and with the-fate of Leningrad in the balance., and with the position in the Pacific getting momentarily more uncertain and critical, they must feel that this was a tense hour for their country. 'I only pray with everybody else," continued Mr. Fraser, "that what has befallen our Mother Country and the nauons of Europe will not be the «*e of the Pacific countries, but if we are Involved then all that I woifld say would be that we will stand up as courageously as our boys have done in the field, at sea and in the

air, and as the people of Britain have done and the people of our Allies! have done and the Russian people are doing to-day.

Summons at First Moment "For that reason," he proceeded, "I would say that members must leave the House not knowing when they will be called, back, but I can assure them that if the situation becomes more critical then they will be summoned at the first moment. It will be necessary to do so because the country will expect, and have the right to expect, that the representatives of the people should consult together immediately, danger looms up. The summoning of Parliament certainly will be carried out.

"I don't want to strike any alarmist note," continued Mr. Fraser, "and I do not strike any pessimistic note. No matter what comes we shall fight through until victory is achieved, but it will mean that everyone of us, everyone in the country, will have to put every ounce of energy and to sacrifice everything in the effort to assist towards victory."

In thanking Mr. Speaker for his conduct of the House, the Prime Minister referred to the co-operation which Jjad been shown—in some respects unprecedented co-operation. The decision that had recently been taken to postpone the election and extend the life of Parliament, which had been reached with extraordinary precipitation, had been more than justified already owing to the swift change in the international outlook. That agreement was striking evidence of the fundamental unity of the country as well as of members of the House.

Mr. Fraser said he trusted sincerely that he would not have to call members together to meet a critical situation, but if it were necessary he knew they would face up to it courageously and efficiently. If they nad peace instead of belligerency in the Pacific then he hoped that the officers and staffs of the House and all members would have a pleasant holiday and would thoroughly enjoy their respite. Spirit of Co-operation As Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Holland echoed sentiments expressed by Mr. Fraser regarding the international outlook, and said he was pleased to hear Mr. Fraser refer to the co-operation he had received from the Opposition. He woyld have co-operation at any time, the

Opposition could assist, within or outside .the House. If there was anything they could do towards the war effort, to shorten war and hasten victory, they would be very glad to do it.

The Speaker of the House, Hon. W. E. Barnard, in acknowledging the tributes which had been paid to him, said he was going to break one of his own rules and refer to a past debate. He congratulated the House on the fine display of unity in time of world crisis which had been manifested only two days ago. The House, in common with all the people in the Dominion, would require during the very difficult days, and perhaps the years, that lay ahead, to display all the cooperation and possibly all the fortitude of which the British race was always capable in such times as we were now experiencing.