NATIONAL GOVERNMENT

Greymouth Evening Star, 26 April 1941, Page 4

NATIONAL GOVERNMENT

MR FRASER’S STATEMENT.

[per press ASSOCIATION.']

WELLINGTON, April 23

Steps that would be taken if the war situation became such that the formation of a National Government was imperative were outlined at the recent conference of the New Zealand Labour Party by the Prime Minister (Mr Fraser), when discussing the Opposition’s offer. According to the official organ of the Labour Party, Mr Fraser said that he would immediately consult with his colleagues in the Cabinet, the caucus, the executives of the Labour Party, and the Federation of Labour, and if it seemed that the formation of a National Cabinet was the only hope for the Dominion, they would not hesitate.

“We will summon the conference together,” he added, “and tell you what the situation is. However, I make this stipulation. If, when I am away, the situation rapidly develops to a national danger,, I am not going to tie the hands of my colleagues. I trust- my colelagues as I trust myself. If they cannot communicate with me—and if there is any. extension of hostilities that is possible—then they will act on their own initiative. They will make their own decisions, and will, I know, if time permits, follow the course I have indicated. After all, the Prime Minister and the individual counts for very little at a time like the present. The people count for everything. I am anxious that the facts of the situation should be faced between now and my return, . and that members and the party generally should consult their consciences in regard to our duty in any situation that might’ arise, remembering that there is something more important than the life of our party, and that is the life of the nation.” i

Two men had foregathered in the canteen for a “quick one.” “What’s this about the Sergeant falling into a camouflaged practice trench and breaking his leg? asked one. “Ssh!” replied another urgently. “It doesn’t happen till to-morrow.” Two darkies were boasting about their ancestors. “An’ let me tell you,” said Rastus, “I kin trace ma ancestors back to the fambly tree.” “Is dat so?” exclaimed Mose. “Wall, dere’s only two kinds ob things dat lives in trees— dem’s birds and monkeys. An’ you ain’t got no feathers!”