GRAVEST CRISIS OF WAR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16483, 8 March 1917, Page 7

GRAVEST CRISIS OF WAR.

MR. HUGHES'S STATEMENT. DANGER ASSAILING EMPIRE. REBUKE TO THE OPPOSITION. A. and N.Z. Cable. MELBOURNE March 7. In a statement of the circumstances leading up to the dissolution . of the Federal Parliament, the Prime Minister, Mr. Hughes, said that since ho had asked for an extension of the life of Parliament there had arisen grave reasons which could only be disclosed to members of the Chamber. This knowledge would make it clear that clanger now assailed the Empire. This was the gravest crisis in the war. Referring to the Labour opposition, he said: " We have done everything possible i to secure unity and follow the load j of Britain and the other Dominions, | but the Opposition will not permit j us. They care nothing for the ' Empire—they care nothing except for its downfall." In the House of Representatives Mr. Joseph Cook, Minister for the j Navy, stated that the elections,• would be held in seven or eight j weeks' time. j Mr. Hughes asked for an extension of the life of Parliament on February 22,. when in the House of Representatives he ( gave notice of motion seeking permission to present a petition to the Imperial Government asking for the prolongation of the life of Parliament until six months ' after' peace is declared, or until October j 8, 1918.