The Dominion. MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1941. PARLIAMENT’S VITAL WARTIME DUTY

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 9, 6 October 1941, Page 6

The Dominion. MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1941. PARLIAMENT’S VITAL WARTIME DUTY

Apparently some fresh discussion is taking place, or is likely to be arranged shortly, on the question of postponing the elections. Very few people can doubt that there are weighty reasons against holding a General Election at the present time. It is equally evident, however, that if the life of Parliament is extended it should be on such terms as to be an assurance that t£e purpose aimed at that is, the complete and whole-hearted concentration of the national war effort —is likely to be achieved. . This assurance cannot possibly be given unless there is a frank recognition by the Government that controversial issues of domestic poIiX "st be laid aside for the period of the war. Whole-hearted co-operation and unity of effort on the part of all sections of ke community cannot be hoped for or expected so long as the Goveinment persists in using its majority to force through legislation of a socialistic and experimental nature, which in so many insta " ces encroached on individual freedom and enterprise, and which been gradually building up a degree of Ministerial d * cta ‘ ceeded only in those countries under the domination of Totalitarian The distraction of domestic party issues should have no place today in the affairs of a 'country engaged in a hfe-and-death strung e in which everything it has and treasures is at stake. The whole endeavour of all parties should be concentrated on the one vital purpose of utilizing the resources of the country to the utmost possible advantage in the prosecution of our war effort. There should be one common purpose prompting the actions of all.. Sectional interes s should be laid aside and the best brains and most competent and experienced administrators called into service regardless of political affiliations. Given this common purpose and freedom io n the controversial issues associated with party politics it should be possible to promote a more active co-operation in all directions closer concentration on essentials and a consequent diversion of the energies of the nation into those channels likely to be productive o the soundest and best results.