The Dominion MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1943. “THE END OF THE BEGINNING"

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 305, 20 September 1943, Page 4

The Dominion MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1943. “THE END OF THE BEGINNING"

There has just been published, with the above caption as the title, a third volume of Mr. Churchill’s wartime speeches. The title is apt, for the appearance of this latest collection coincides with the ending of the first phase of the war—for the Allies a phase of defence, preparation for offence, and the launching of portentous enterprises. In the new phase now developing in significance and positive results it is well in all due humility to look back-over the hard and stony road traversed since 1939, and in particular to study with appreciation and feelings of gratitude those magnificent orations by the British leadci which inspired the Empire peoples during the dark days that have passed. Difficult and trying ordeals may still he ahead. As the events at Salerno have already shown, the final victory will not be as easily won as some may have been encouraged by recent successes to hope and believe, nor may the end be soon. . . ’ These collected orations contain many sayings which, though apposite to the war, are at the same time material for reflection in our nonderings upon other matters, such as our own political affairs and the present testing time of public opinion on policies and aspirations. This for example, is worthy of special note and emphasis. In spite 01 the immense difficulties of carrying on the task of government under the heavy stresses of wartime conditions, “We have succeeded” says Mr. Churchill, “in preserving our traditional free institutions, free speech, full and active Pail amentary government, a free Press. We have done that conditions which at times were more strained and convulsive than have ever beset a civilized State.” Could the New Zealand picture in wartime be said to justify the same prideful utterance? So much has been heard during the present election campaign of lost liberties, and the irritating, unwarranted restrictions of State control to all intents and purposes intent upon putting official regimentation on a permanent footing in this country, that the above quotation must appear to many as a dream picture, inspiring a wistful vision. ■ One further comment may be apt to the moment. There has beer a good deal of talk from the election platforms of the blind subservience of members Of the Parliamentary Labour Party to the discipline not only of their caucuses but also of outside irresponsible bodies. Here is Mr. Churchill on the subject of free criticism and action in Parliament: “No one,” he said during a vote of confidence debate in the House of Commons, “need be mealy-mouthed in debate, and no one should be chicken-hearted in voting I have voted against Governments I have been elected to support, and, looking back 1 have sometimes felt very glad that ! did so. Everyone in these rough times must do what he thinks is his duty. ... ~ In this philosophy so candidly expressed by Mr. Chui chill, the e is material for reflection by the New Zealand electors, who should study in particular the statements made by the Leader of the National Party in this connexion. These statements reflect a very definite breakaway from a tendency to make Parliament subservient to the Government, and reverting to the traditional principle that the Govern ment is subject to the will of Parliament. ■ & *