COALITION WANTED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20262, 1 June 1940, Page 5

COALITION WANTED

FARMERS’ UNION VIEWS DESIRE FOR UNITY DISCUSSION IN WAIROA (Spncinl to tlie Herald.) WAIROA, this day. , That the union urge the Government to form a Coalition Cabinet was the text of a motion passed at a meeting of the Wairoa branch of the ;New Zealand Farmers’ Union on Thursday afternoon. In moving tlie motion, Mr. H. D. de Lap-tour said that he could not imagine arty man worrying about the good of any party to-day.. There was, in his opinion, something wrong.with a person who thought of party politics at the present time. .“What,” he said, “would b e the good of a party if we lose the war?” It was the duty of the Government to include anybody in the Cabinet who could be of assistance.

A statement that he would be pleased to second the motion provided it was amended to read that this branch support the executive in its request to urge the Government to form a Coalition Cabinet, was made by Mr. G. D. Tod. He explained that it must go through the executive. It was constitutional.

“Kick all the rules over in a crisis like, this,” replied Mr. de Lautour. .Mr. Tod then seconded the motion, adding that politics should be forgotten at present. The view that they should do everything in their power to try and win the war, was voiced by Mr. T. leC. Powdrell.

“It is the duty of every loyal citizen to help and not to hinder the Government," gaid Mr. P. ,T. O’Kane \yhen expressing the view that the question of coalition should be left to the good sense of those who met in Wellington. Replying, Mr. de Lautour stated that perhaps there were some persons outside the room who did not have confidence in the present Government. If that were so then they would not get the full weight behind the Government. To get a truly national effort they must have unity.