DOMINION'S DANGER

Gisborne Times, Volume LI, Issue 5245, 9 August 1919, Page 5

DOMINION'S DANGER

MR MASSEY ON POLITICAL SITUATION. TIME* SERIOUS AHDOUT- | look mmrm PATRIOTIC, PROGRESSIVE, AND PRACTICAL M.P.’S WANTED. COUNTRY INTERESTS MUST BE PLACED BEFORE PARTY. Press Association Teleeram. ! , WELLINGTON, August 8. | A brief statement of his views cn I the present situation in the Dominj ion was made bv the Prime Munster , to-day. i “The policy of the country rrn st bo I a policy of progress,” he said. 1 0 i carry out a vigorous policy of ieI construction and development in a | time like the present there must !„• i a strong Government. There mi,u be a Government that will ph.-: the interests of the country before inrtv and every other consideration, Wf.nt is wanted is a solid combination of patriotic, progressive and practical members of Parliament, conscientiously representing tho people in thier desire for national progress, a combination of earnest men whoso democratic instincts, honesty and ability can be relied upon. “I do not look for perfection in politicians.any more than in any other class” he continued, “but the times are so serious and the outlook so uncertain that a much greater responsibility than ever before rests upon electors to see that the men to whom they entrust the management of their public affairs will in all tests and circumstances unflinchingly do their duty, and thus do justice and credit to the positions they are intended to occupy. “There will lie great issues to be dealt with and settled during the period on which we are entering,” said the Prime .Minister, “and many problems to he solved on which the prosperity of the country and the happiness of the people for many years to come must depend. We cannot afford to make mistakes. Industi v and energy must be maintained and encouraged. There must be equal opportunities for all. T hope,” lie added, “that ill many respects we shall profit by the lessons of war and learn from what lias taken place that as citizens of one country, we should, so to speak, he members of one family ready to help each other when assistance is required and when help can he given. States. like individuals have their temptations and times of doubt and difficulty. Let us hope that New Zealand will always choose the hotter part and do the right tiling in all ciicumstanccs. If wo arc to he tuccessful in the conduct.of our public affairs, the interests of country must come before or personal advantage.