PROUD RECORD

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 203, 27 August 1943, Page 2

PROUD RECORD

PARLIAMENT'S END

N.Z. THROUGH CRISIS

(By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. "New Zealand has every reason to be proud of those who were member s of Parliament during the greatest crisis in its history," declared the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, in his final speech of the session last > when he looked back on the eventful five years., since the House of Kepie sentatives was elected. Members, he continued, had livect up to the best traditions in tnnes of stress, danger and threats of invasion, which, thank God, w ei , e j e " ' porary. They lived up to the highest traditions of democracy and the ideals of their country. Mr. Eraser pictured the way in which international events moved rapidly after the House, which had been elected in peacetime, ir 1938 to carry out a policy ot progress in social reform and seciu ity,_ found itself faced with the responsibility of war. It had taken upon itself the responsibility of leading th country and discussing nnP.o^a.' war subjects, all the time holding an undeviating course to up]hold, the cause of the United Nations and world justice.

Vacant Places in House

Because the country was at war, continued Mr. Eraser, there had been vacant places in the House, of members wlio had stepped forward to take their share in hostilities, i ney thought of Brigadier J. Hargest (National, Awarua), now a prisoner of war, of the passing of Captain W. J Lyon (Waitemata), of Lieutenant A. G. Hultquist (Bay of Plenty), Colonel J. Allen (Hauraki) and Major A. N. Grigg (Mid-Canterburv). I hey felt proud of them and recorded thensense of loss and appreciation. They were glad to see back among them Captain T. L. Mac Donald (National, Mataura) and Major C. F. Skinner (Government, Motueka). The House, continued Mr. Eraser, had addressed itself to many problems. It was compelled to hold secret sessions because matters were discussed which could not be made public without information of great value to the enemy being divulged. In those secret sessions, and in meetings with the General Staff, the House acquitted itself with credit. It dealt with questions of mobilisation, of compulsion, of equipment, and of manpower, probably the most perplexing and difficult problems which had ever been before a New Zealand Parliament. They were discussed with a duo# sense of responsibility, and the officers of the House had excelled themselves during this period of trial and stress.

Mr. Speaker's Difficulties

Mr. Speaker had experienced a difficult time, for responsibility was thrust on his shoulders to a greater extent than had ever been borne by any other Speaker. He had not only to preside at secret sessions of great importance, and over debates of firstclass moment, but had to determine what could be divulged to citizens without imperilling the war effort. Members would agree that those duties had been carried out well. Referring to the coming election., the Prime Minister said he- hoped that, although the clash of political blows would resound throughout the countrv, nothing would be said by any candidate, that would cause unnecessary pain or would cut across fundamental friendships. He hoped that the election campaign would be conducted on a high intellectual plane, and that there would not be any personal attacks or abuse.

Future Sacrifices "There are j r ears ahead that may be loaded with great sacrifices," concluded Mr. Eraser. "There may be occasion to face hardships, to face self-sacrifice and to learn to do without things that are more required among our kith and kin in Great Britain, without whose splendid stand there would be no democracy in the world to-day. Whatever the verdict of the electors, New Zealand will go on to the end determined to do everything possible for the cause of humanity until victory is achieved."

During the sitting numerous valedictory references were made by the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition (Mr. Holland) and other members.

The statistical record of the session.showed that the House had met on 59 days, for a daily average sitting of 5 hours 40 minutes. Public bills passed totalled 35, and private bills four. Altogether 70 petitions were presented. The session extended over 184 days, from February 24, until yesterday.