SUPPORT FOR MR FORBES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 21 February 1931, Page 7

SUPPORT FOR MR FORBES

MR POLSON’S ATTITUDE (By Telegraph—Presß Association) HAMILTON, 19th February. “Tlie best investment New Zealand made has been sending Mr Forbes to the Imperial Conference,” remarked Mr W. J. Poison to-day. “While there he saw the debauching effects of the dole and realised the serious situation to which the Empire and the Mother Country herself were drafting. Through contact with prominent men of the Empire he obtained an insight into things that lie could never have got had he remained in New Zealand.” Mr Poison said he believed it was tho duty of all thinking people to get behind the Prime Minister. Whether he went as far or further than all of us wished, was not the question. The situation to-day was fraught with possible catastrophic consequences to the Dominion. Only united action by the moderate section of the House could save New Zealand from going the way of Australia in the near future.

Mr Poison added that it was his intention personally to support _ the_ Government in the courageous action it was taking. He believed that view would be taken by many members of Parliament who were not members of the United Party. Mr Forbes’s proposals were obviously intended to meet _ the unique situation. Without doing injustice to any section he sought to spread the sacrifice amongst all. “In the meantime,” said Mr Poison, “we have to be grateful for a man of courage as the Prime Minister has shown himself to be.”