NEW ZEALAND UNITED

Evening Star, Issue 23353, 24 August 1939, Page 11

NEW ZEALAND UNITED

PARTY FEELING ABOLISHED CRISIS REFERENCES IN HOUSE [From Ocs Parliamentary Reporter.] ' WELLINGTON. August 23, Party feeling went thoroughly into the background when the House of Representatives resumed proceedings last) night, and the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Hamilton) asked leave to make a brief statement. He said; “la view of the alarming situation that has arisen in Europe, and the disquieting news received - late this afternoon and published in the Press, the Opposition wishes to assure the Government of its whole-hearted support in all and any action deemed necessary to meet_ the crisis that has arisen. The Opposition recognises that national unity is allessential in such a crisis, and assures the Government of its unanimous backing.” The Acting Prime Minister (Mr Fraser) promptly acknowledged! this statement, which the House had followed with close attention. “ I wish to thank the Leader of the Opposition,” said Mr Fraser, “ for his offers of assistance at a perod which might possibly develop into a * most critical time for the people of this country and the British Commonwealth of Nations. " It is essential (and Mr Fraser emphasised that word) that at this moment, not only the members of this House, but everybody in the Dominion,, should speak with united voice (Hear, hear,), and say that the country stands side by side and shoulder to shoulder with every other British country. “We cannot but sympathise with! the United Kingdom in its present position, and with all other nations whose rights and liberties, may be threatened at this moment. We devoutly pray that there may be no further development, but that counsels of peace will prevail; but if the hour coipes it will find New Zealand united and solid.” Mr Fraser again referred to the world crisis when be came to the conclusion of his speech in reply to the Budget Debate. He said the Angel of Death was abroad, and with this menace over, the nation, differences of parties held! on social and _ eobnomio problems became dwarfed beside the interests of the community as a whole. As head of the Government for. the time being, he again welcomed tha offer of co-operation made by the Opposition, and assured its members that the sentiments expressed by Mr Hamilton were fully reciprocated! by tha members of the Government. Everyone in the House and beyond it would stand true to Britain in the fight she was making, for no matter how many retreat* and surrenders Britain had made in the past—and some of them had been regrettable—she was making a fight for democracy, to ensure that government of the people, for the people, by the people, should not perish from the earth. AUSTRALIA WITH BRITAIN PRIME; MIN I STER*S DECLARATION CANBERRA, August 23. Discussing the European crisis, tha Prime Minister, Mr R. G. Menzies, said! that while admitting that tension was never greater it was both unwise and unnecessary to form exaggerated conclusions about the suggested RussoGerman pact. The latest information from the Australian High Commissioner was such that there was'no need to summon the Commonwealth Parliament before, the normal date, September 6. Mr, Menzies pledged Australia’* whole-hearted support for Britain’s present policy. “If Britain was forced! into war-she would not go alone. W« ! stand with her up to the hilt.” FLIGHT OF CAPITAL FROM LONDON THE POUND REMAINS STEADY LONDON, August 23. The ‘ Financial News ? says the flight of capital from London yesterday is estimated at 50 to 75 per cent, heavier than oh Monday. The exchange fund, gold losses are believed to be the heaviest fbr any .day in- 1939, and are estimated! at £6,000,000. There is new hoarding and a rush for silver, which stimulated the highest price rise for years. The pound remained rigidly heJd. ... . ' PRECAUTIONS IK EGYPT OFFICERS RECALLED FROM LEAVE CAIRO, August 23. (Received August 24, at 10.30 a.m.) All officers of the British and Egyiv tian units have been recalled from leave. , , „ v