UNITY IN DANGER'S FACE

Evening Star, Issue 23950, 30 July 1941, Page 4

UNITY IN DANGER'S FACE

PLEA FOR ALL-PARTY CABINET ABANDONMENT OF ELECTION URGED [FItOM Ol'li P.UILIA.MKN T.UIV KjU’Oim.'U.J (I’.A.j WELLIXGTOX, July 29. 'll lO silence of tin. 1 Opposition benches was uroucn m the House to-night when .Mr Wilkinson I I'.gniunt), in las capacity, us lie calleil it,, ol u private or moepenuent member, expressed himself earnestly regarding the need lor political unity in mo lace of the danger from without, and the necessity of avoiding the conilict involved iit a General 'Klectioii.

Government comment on this effort was not synipainetic. .\lr Jones, .Minister of science, wno lollowed, wondered whecner one reason tor the break in toe snenee might nave been a rebel breaiiing away iroin the Opposition Leader » instructions. He reeaned, 100, that -Ur Wilkinson once aspired to be the leader of tne Opposition Party. Hie country, said .Mr Wilkinson, would be grievously disappointed at the tone of the debate and tne utter 1 allure to realise the gravity of the situation. There had been a determined effort on the part of the Government members to pi event any possible combination of parties. The people in the country felt that I'arlianieiit had failed to live up to its high position during a grave emergency. Since these speeches were made, the war had reaehd another few thousand miles nearer our shores, and tho danger came closer every day. This was another reason why Parliament should pause in domestic strife, “ 1 appeal as an independent member fGovernment laughter) without any particular party bias,” continued tho speaker. “ 1 have consistently voted against the Government, but have no feelings of bitterness. 1 do not care who runs the country so long as it is run properly.”

Mr Richards: it is. Mr Wilkinson; The welfare of tho party conies first every time, and the cleavage in the ranks of Labour is accentuating party bitterness. Mr Coleman: Xo cleavage in our ranks.

Mr Wilkinson replied that he referred to tho recent cleavage, though the country was not interested in what happened at Waitemata.

Mr Carr: You would have boon interested if we had lost.

Mr Wilkinson repeated that the country was not concerned. lb only thought of the casualty lists and tho sorrow in many homes. A great disservice was rendered the country by attacks on. the member for Grey Lynn, tho references by the Minister of Railways to tho Opposition Leader, and tho reflections on the former member for Motueka. They were all unhelpful and undignified, savouring of the idea that if one had no case abuse the other side. In the ordinary course of events wo were on the eve of a General Election, and at the same time engaged in a struggle with a dangerous enemy, and further dangers were looming up. Judging by Waitemata, an election would be a disaster to the country. Dirty linen would be washed on tho floor of the House, and after the election fight they would never get unity in Parliament. It would divide people more than ever.

“ Do the Labour Party,” ho asked, “ think an election will confirm them in office? There is no certainty about elections—they are most uncertain things, and there would be surprises and some vacant seats. If the country is called on to face an election it will show its displeasure on those who bring it about. _Mr Boswell: What is the alternative ?

Mr Wilkinson went on to refer to the difficulty of taking votes of the soldiers overseas who were entitled to express their opinion on the Government of the, land they are defending. Defiant speeches were heard from the rank and file of Labour directing the Government not to agree to fusion, but he appealed to Ministers not to pay heed to this defiance. Governments elected in peacetime were rarely equipped to conduct war, for they were elected on a different issue. Therefore, changes should bo made to suit the gravity of the position. It was unfortunate that the Prime Minister was away, and he hoped Mr Fraser would make a safe and speedy return. He believed the Prime Minister had a great duty to perform on his return. He should declare for an allparty Government during the war. Though it seemed impracticable, Mr Fraser would, in the speaker’s belief, get support from every member of the Opposition and a great majority of his own supporters. “If by any chance after that is done,” added Mr Wilkinson, “ and he found he could not get on, let him appeal to the country and the issue would bo a united Government to win the war. Ho would sweep the country.” Mr Lee; A khaki election.

Mr Wilkinson: If the Prime Minister took the bold course ho would bo the leader of the nation, not merely of one party. Parliament should agree, urged Mr Wilkinson, to enlargement of the War Cabinet, giving it greater power and scope. If there was a united Government and postponement pf the election. the Opposition Leader could join Cabinet. However, if an election was ponding, they could not ask him to join the Cabinet, because his very seat might be in jeopardy. Government Member: Would he come in?

Mr Wilkinson replied that he could not speak for Mr Holland, but there should be a truce while the arrangement continued. Suggestions had been made for a referendum on the subject of postponement of the elections, but Mr Wilkinson considered it the Government’s duty to decide.