War Council Will Act Quickly, P.M. Says

Northern Advocate, 19 June 1940, Page 2

War Council Will Act Quickly, P.M. Says

! [Special to "Northern Advocate”] WELLINGTON, This Day. The Prime Minister (Mr Fraser) made it clear last night that the War Council would not impede quick action. “There can be no doubt about the efficiency of the council in this respect,” said the Prime Minister, “because separate committees will be set up to deal simultaneously with special subjects, making close and intensive study in their particular fields and reporting to the full council. “Recommendations can be assured of prompt, decisive action by the presence on the council of responsible Ministers. There will be no holding up of decisions and there will also be no unduly prolonged deliberations. Action, Not Debates. “Action is what is required, not debates, but action must be based on the specialised knowledge of members and close investigation and consideration. “Of course, occasions, may arise, as they have done within the past few days, when very prompt decisions must be made in furtherance of New Zealand’s war effort. “11l such cases the Cabinet would take immediate action, and essential decisions would even be made on my own responsibility when time is too precious to allow of consultation. “There would be no question of the work of the council delaying rapid action.” Opposition Stand. The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Hamilton), when asked to comment on the Government's action in going ahead with the setting up of the War Council, said: “The Opposition is still of the same mind on the question of joining the War Council.” The Opposition last week declined an invitation to be represented. There were 14 members on the Council as announced, Mr Hamilton said, and that was large enough without any representation from the Opposition, which could offer its assistance when war measures were being discussed in Parliament. Kohukohu Mr and Mrs S. B. Williams, of Devonport, Auckland, were recent visitors to Kohukohu, as the guests of Mr and Mrs H. A. Williams. Mr W. S. Smith recently visited Auckland. Basketball matches played on Saturday last, resulted: Mangamuka 20, beat Motukaraka 3; Mangamuka 12, beat Kohukohu G. This was the first time this season that Kohukohu had suffered defeat.