POLITICAL OBSESSIONS.

Evening Star, Issue 23908, 11 June 1941, Page 6

POLITICAL OBSESSIONS.

Some very pointed and appropriate remarks bearing on New Zealand politics were made at a meeting of the Southland provincial executive of the Farmers’ Union. One speaker argued that there were no politics at the front and there should be none in the Dominion, while another member remarked that if it was decided to hold an election the result would be 45 per cent, recrimination, 45 per cent, jingoism and flag-waving, 5 per cent, local politics, and 5 per cent, main issues. It is clear that the gravity of the position in which the Empire stands is not appreciated by a large proportion of the people of this country, otherwise there would be a truce to all party politics, a National Government would be established, and an example of unanimity be provided in the prosecution of New Zealand’s war effort. No doubt the Government is doing its bosf, but it is not enough. Every member of the House of Representatives should realise what is ap stake, and be prepared to sink his party prejudices for the common good. Yet in the face of the perils with which we are surrounded the Otago Labour Representation Committee passes a resolution declaring that the Parliamentary Labour Party should not form a Coalition or National Government with the. Opposition, and workers’ bodies cling tenaciously to the privileges conferred by the fortyhour week. Another example of the short-sighted views that are prevalent is found in the action of certain workers in downing tools to attend a race meeting. The attitude of non-co-operation so frequently exhibited is difficult to understand, seeing that so many workers’ sons and other relatives are serving with the forces overseas. The position maintained by the National Party has been quite correct. Had a

non-party Government been formed at the outbreak of the war, or at any time since, it has been authoritatively stated, the Nationalists, far from seeking power, would have naturally accepted the principle that the Labour Party, as the dominant group in the House, should have majority representation in Cabinet. Thus the Prime Minister’s hands would have been strengthened without loss to his party. Nothing, however, can be done in Mr Fraser’s absence. It is to be hoped that his experiences abroad will have made him amenable to reason, that factional differences will be forgotten, and a Ministry truly representative of the House be formed. If this is done and the turmoil of a General Election avoided, the resulting benefit to the Dominion and its war efforts will be substantial.'