NATIONAL GOVERNMENT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16308, 15 August 1916, Page 9

NATIONAL GOVERNMENT

IMPORTANT WAR WORK.

UNITY OF MEMBERS.

The work of the National Government of New Zealand since its formation soon after the outbreak of the war was warmly praised by Mr. George Elliot when proposing the toast of the Government at a luncheon to the Prime Minister at Panmure yesterday. He said that never before in the history of New Zealand had there been a National Government, for never before had there been such need for unity. It was necessary during the present time of stress that in New Zealand politics there should be political unity. Two years ago it became apparent I that there was only one thing that mat- | tered, and that was to assist the Empire to combat a relentless and ferocious foe. New Zealand had borne the burden niajjnificently. The National Government had discharged, and was discharging, its duties most splendidly, and it was a fortunate thing for the country that, at the outbreak of the war. it had had Mr. Massey to take his stand at the head of affairs. Mr. Massey had the confilidence of the people of the country, and he carried out his promises to the letter. New Zealand's history of the past two years had shown that its affairs could be conducted without political strife. He was not in the confidence of any member of the Government, but he predicted that the National Government would, not end with the war.

In responding to the toast, the Prime Minister acknowledged the complimentary remarks made by Mr. Elliot concerning the Government. He said he was well aware that a number of people did not approve of the National Government; personally, he was of opinion that they were mistaken. It was impossible to conduct the affairs of a country like New Zealand and give satisfaction to everyone. The object of forming a National Government was to enable New Zealand to set aside all party and sectarian differences and to present a united front to the enemy. (Applause.) The National Government had completely justified its existence. (Hear, hear-) Every member, from Sir Joseph Ward downward, had "played the game-" There had been no thought of party, and every member had worked with one object in view— enable New Zealand to do its best to assist the .Motherland and their fellow-citizens fighting on the other side of the world. The National Government had accomplished work hat no party Government could have succeeded in doing. (Applause.) During the 1914 session it had doubled the direct taxation of the countrv in order to enable New Zealand to do its share to win the war. The Reform Partv, which he was associated with, had been returned with a majority of one. and it would have been impossible for anv partv to have got through legislation such as certain of that passed during the recent session. He mentioned the taking bv the Internment of 45 per cent, of war protits, the impost of a 5 per cent, direct tax, and the Military .Service Bill, which, ho said, would enable New Zealand to do its share in the task of winning the war Concerning the last Act mentioned', Mr Massey could say, speaking generally' that the support of Parliament had been given to it ungrudgingly.