GOVERNMENT IN WAR TIME

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23349, 7 June 1941, Page 12

GOVERNMENT IN WAR TIME

FARMERS’ CALL FOR UNITY “NO TIME FOR PARTY POLITICS ” The setting up of a Government uniting all sections of the community was urged in a resolution adopted at the annual conference of the North Canterbury District oi the New Zealand Farmers’ Union yesterday. A remit from the executive, proposed by Mr I. L. M. Coop, and seconded by Mr W. J. Wright, was adopted in the following form: “That in this period of grave national danger this conference urges the setting up of a government uniting all sections of the community in the greatest possible effort for the successful prosecution of the war.” Mr Coop said it was the opinion of a great majority of the people that there should be a Government representative of all sections for the prosecution of the war. This was no time for party politics, which could only hinder the war effort. Mr Wright said he believed that the people did not want the expense of an election. The best brains of the country were required in a united Government. The motion in its original form had called for a national Government, but West Melton and other delegates (Objected to the word “national," which they said might lead to confusion because of the existence of a National Party. The resolution was accordingly amended. An amendment moved by Mr K. W. J. Hall calling upon the Government to unite the people in tne prosecution of the war, but making no reference to a -united or national government. was lost. Mr Hall said that it was not the policy of the union to concern itself with politics, and it should not be concerned who was on the treasury benches, but solely to see that the war effort was prosecuted with the greatest possible efficiency. Mr Coop, in his reply to the discussion, said that a united government would allow members of Parliament to criticise the Government as individuals whereas under party government they could speak only according to instruction from the party whips. A plea for unity in the war effoa was made by Mr R. G. Bishop in ms presidential address. He said that every obstacle in the path of victory should be abolishied, party politics thrown overboard, and a national Government formed. It was regrettable that the party in power now persisted in holding fast to party policies ana party tactics, because apparently they feared the sacrifice of some of their ideals and achievements. Were these to be placed before the ideals of the Empire? Mr W. S. Mac Gibbon, president ot the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, in his luncheon address to the conference, said that the urgent need of the country to-day was for the sinking of party differences in a united war effort. It was for the "powers that be” to recognise this fact and act accordingly. • ENDING PARTY POLITICS DESIRE OF PEOPLE’S MOVEMENT (P.A.) WELLINGTON, June 6. Arrangements are being made by the' People’s Movement for a representative deputation to wait on the Acting-Prime Minister (the Hon. W. Nash) and the Leader, of the Opposition (Mr S. G. Holland) to place before them the desire of the. people for a National Government and to postpone the general election until after, the war. In a statement, the movement says that the demand to-day is to stop party politics and for a proper realisation of the people’s will to work and sacrifice under -real leadership.