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Hokitika Guardian, 22 May 1940, Page 4

fx 'the 1 i<rht of tho broadcast of the British Prime Minister, the broadenst by the Now Zealand Prime Mini-ter was hardly adequate enough for the

war (situation. Mr Fraser proposes a policy of home defence utilising the Territorials and National Reserve. This may be a stepping stone to the preparation of more men for overseas, which now appears an inevitable heed. The war will not be short, and it will require much in the way of reinforcements. Mr Fraser also expressed pleasure with the turn in political events in Britain where a National Government had been formed. But he stopped short at the expression of approval, and did not indicate any desire to- follow the example he approved. It may ho at this distance a national government can > do no more than a party government, but at least there would he a degree of unity and a cessation, to party bickering which would permit more concentration on the work calling for urgent attention. In both France and Britain party politics have gone by the hoard, because of the need for all efforts being concentrated on defence. A period of rest from party manoeuvring would do New Zealand no harm, and as there is the necessity in national interests it might be tried. The Opposition has offered its cooperation, and has shown its bona lidos by assisting usefully with the recruiting scheme. Tn a war of the present magnitude many important decisions will have to be made. It would lie well therefore to have unity on all aspects of such a momentous matter. The Prime Minister would he relieved probably by such an arrangement, as otherwise he will have a heavier burden to carry. The war is a national concern, and it would he well that all the responsibility should be. shared, and each section of the public do its full share.