GROWTH OF DOMINION’S FORCES

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 260, 30 July 1941, Page 8

GROWTH OF DOMINION’S FORCES

Minister Of Defence Reports To The House

INDEPENDENT EXAMINES POLITICAL • ( SITUATION

The WQSt-enlightening survey heard since the war began of what New Zealand’is contributing to the defence of the Empire through its armed forces-was given by the Minister of Defence, Mr. Jones, as his contribution" to- the discussion on the Budget—hardly a debate now that the Opposition is out of it—in the House of Representatives last night. In reporting to the House on the development of the Dominion s Army, Navy and Air-Force, Mr. Jones went into.surprising detail. Another arresting speech was one by Mr. Wilkinson (Independent, Egmont), who examined the political situation, told the Government that if it forced a general election it- would incur the displeasure of the country, appealed for a cessation of party quarrelling and suggested an alternative to a National Government if this were found impracticable—the extension of the life of Parliament and the enlargement of the personnel and power of the War Cabinet. Two women members now sit in the House. Mrs. M. M, Dreavei was sworn in as Government member for Waitemata and occupied a bench not far from Mrs. Stewart (Government, Wellington West). After formal business in the afternoon Government back-benchers continued the discussion on the Budget. This occupied the House for the rest of the sitting, which continued till 10.30 p.m., when the adjournment was taken till 2.30 p.m. today.