DOMINION FORCES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20958, 4 December 1942, Page 4

DOMINION FORCES

TRIBUTE BY HOUSE PLEDGE OF SUPPORT DEBATE IN SECRET (P.R.) WELLINGTON. Dec. 4. Proceedings in the House of Representatives yesterday were a mixed, grill. Formal business was taken when the House met at 10.30 a.m, and this included the passage of, two bills through all stages, the Girl Guides Association (New Zealand branch) Incorporation Bill and the Agricultural Emergency Regulations Confirmation Bill. After this, members adjourned to the social hall to hear and discuss with the chiefs of the general staff matters relating 1o the war effort, this meeting lasting from the forenoon until well on in the afternoon. The House met again at 7.30 p.m. After a motion had been passed expressing appreciation of the services of the New Zealand fighting forces and the Merchant Marine and pledging full support of them in the future, the galleries were cleared at the suggestion of the Prime Minister, the-Rt. lion. P. Fraser, the. understanding being that the proceedings -im secret would not be long. However,- the House continued to sit in secret until 1.3 a.m. to-day. The adjournment was then taken until 10.30 a.m. The text of the motion, passed by the House, which was moved by the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, and seconded by the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. S. G. Holland, was as follows:

“This House records its high sense of appreciation of the devoted and self-sacrificing services rendered to this Dominion and to the Allied cause by those New Zealanders who are serving in the armed forces, navy, army, air and in the merchant service, both in New Zealand and abroad and, in particular, it tenders, its special thanks to the officers and men of the Second N.Z.E.F.. whose deeds have won renown for themselves and everlasting honour for this Dominion. “This House pledges itself fully to support the men of the armed, forces throughout the duration of the conflict, and reaffirms its inflexible determination to devote every effort within its power to the speedy attainment of victory.” Mr. Fraser said that the resolution would be conveyed to those concerned, wherever, they were serving.