Address-in-Reply Debate Opened; Bay M.P's Maiden Speech

Northern Advocate, 5 July 1939, Page 8

Address-in-Reply Debate Opened; Bay M.P's Maiden Speech

[Pe?’ Press Association. Copyright.} WELLINGTON, This Day

•'INHERE WERE A NUMBER OF VAC ANT PLACES, BOTH IN THE GAL-

LERIES AND ON THE FLOOR O F THE HOUSE ITSELF, FOR THE OPENING OF THE ADDRESS-IN-REPLY DEBATE, WHEN THE HOUSE MET AT 7.30 LAST NIGHT.

The mover, Mr R. M. MacFarlane ( Christchurch South), who was greeted with applause, formally moved that “A respectful address bo presented to His Excellency the Governor-General, in reply to His Excellency’s speech.” In doing so he referred to the forthcoming departure from the Dominion of Lord and Lady Galway, stating that th ey had earned the respect and regard of the people of this country, and he hoped they would carry away with them many happy memories of their term of office here. It was with genuine regret that he viewed their forth coming departure to the Old Country.

Mr MacFarlane went on to deal with CLabour’s return to power at the last general election, stating that the result had been the clear approval of the people of the Dominion of the Govern : merit’s policy. Unfair Criticism. He proceeded to deprecate some of the criticism which had been levelled at the Government since it assumed office, characterising it as wholly unfair. He considered that Press criticism'of Mr Nash’s visit to England by the New Zealand Press had not been as fair as that of the British Press.

The Government’s opponents had talked about discontent and lack of freedom throughout the Dominion today, but he wished to stress the fact that there was more peace and tranquility here' since Labour had come into 'office than there ever had been before. International Outlook. It was regrettable, said Mr MacFarrane, that they were meeting at such a time when the international situation had gone from bad to worse, and war might break out at any time. Herr Hitler was definitely working to plan, but. as far as Britain was concerned, she had reached a position where it was impossible to retreat. She must say, “You have gone thus far but you must go no further.” • Mr MacFarlane expressed approval of the French and British policy, and hoped the present negotiations for an aliance between those Powers and Russia would be successful. We had seen the failure of the League of Nations, he said, but after the crisis was over, and the position had settled down, he hoped the nations would be able to build up an organisation to •outlaw war. New Zealand Defence.

Regarding New Zealand’s own defence, he was of opinion that until the Labour Government had come into office, the defence of New ealand had been neglected. The Government had built up both air and Territorial defences, yet they heard criticism of the Government’s attitude to this important subject. This criticism, he said, should be constructive; defence was not a party matter, and all parties should be unanimous in building up the de- • fences of the country. Secondary Industries. Speaking of secondary industries, M Speaking of secondary industries, Mr MacFarlane outlined what the Government had done in fostering their expansion. However, he would like to ask what the Opposition’s attitude was towrads such industries. The people of New Zealand wished to know, and would demand that the Opposition’s attitude should be clearly set forth. Romes for the People. Mr MacFarlane said the Government had performed its duty in providing homes for the people. It had been stressed that many clauses of the Social Security Act had not been put into operation, but he gvae an assurance that every clause of that Act would be made effective. A,great majority of the people were as firmly behind the Government today as they had been m the past, and the Government would carry on its policy of the greatest good for the greatest number. Mr MacFarlane’s speech lasted fifty minutes, and he was greeted withi applause from both sides of the House when he resumed his seat.