WAR AND POLITICS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23504, 15 November 1939, Page 13

WAR AND POLITICS

CO-DPERATION OFFER attack on opposition HAMILTON IN REPLY STATE SOCIALISM POLICY [by telkghaph—l'RKSS association] HASTINGS, Tuesday / "Mr. Nasli has so far forgotten both tho responsibility of his own position and tho true facts of tho subject lie was discussing a.js to mako a venomous attack on Opposition members of Parliament on the subject of co-opcra-+/on " stated tho Leader of tho Oppcsi tion,' the Hon. A. Hamilton, in a statement in reply to Mr. Nash's assertion *Lflt the Opposition had debased their offer of co-operation in war efforts by a continuance of political work. "Not only was Mr. Nash's statement, spiteful and untrue," said Mr. Hamilton "but ho made it when ho had had in his possession for some weeks a letter from mo pointing out the falseness of a very similar and equally vicious attack on the Opposition made in the official newspaper of tho Government last im.nth. Becauso this subject is of such importance to-day I owe it to the pe oplo of New Zealand to mako the truo facts known. Contentious Measures "The Opposition offered co-operation jr. tho initial Stages of the crisis which - ] c 'd ; to the declaration of war, and that offer of assistance in any war effort was gladly accepted by the actingprime Minister, Mr. Frnscr. However, within a very few day;>, Mr. Frasci stated clearly in the Houso that political co-operation with the Government was not sought from the Opposition. He went so far as to tell the Opposition that very contcnious and purely political measures would be introduced within a few weeks which would undoubtedly bo resisted by tho Opposition. Nothing could liavo been a fairer indication of what was expected of the Opposition than that. "Those political measures implementing the Government's policy of State Socialism were duly introduced after tho declaration of war. As indicated by Mr. Eraser, the principal ones were the Reserve Bank Amendment Act and tho Marketing Act, than which there has Eeen little more revolutionary and objectionable legislation. These Acts wero deliberately introduced under tho very first- cloak" of war. It was these instances of taking advantage of national emergency anxiety that outraged public opinion from one end of New Zealand to ; the other. Was it any wonder? It is a blot for ever on Labour's record. 'No attempt by Mr. Nash to twist tho truth will wipe itout.

Eadio Propaganda Star "The next event in the chain dealing ■with co-operation was a statement published in tho Government's official newspaper that tho Labour Party organisation must not be relaxed in any way —in fact, any tendency to slacken must be avoided," Mr. Hamilton continued. "Mr. Nash's statement that each Labour member of Parliament was advised to cease campaigning was just another example of sham. Sir, Nash knows, as does every person in New Zealand td-day, that ever since the declaration of war the Labour Party lias intensified every party effort and capitalised every difficulty to its owh party advantage. "Every radio station blares out Labour propaganda.. Even Mr. Nash himself has become a party radio propaganda star, making one political talk after another in an effort to excuse and camouflage his Government's disastrous policy. In every publication the Labour Party movement has preached hair-co-operation since the war started, carrying the attack so far as to make direct personal attacks on the National Party, together with definitely antiBritish statements.

Baseless Attack "Scarcely had the Houso risen than the Government's newspaper made a violent attack upon the Opposiiton in a featured article accusing, the Ivational Party ' of obstructing war efforts, and deliberately attempting to associate our names with profiteering and sabotage, presumably based on the saino propaganda basis as Hitler's 'big he' ideas. As soon as the article was published, 1 wrote to Mr. Nash, as acting-Prime Minister in Mr. Eraser's absence, and asked for an explanation lor the baseless attack. He ultimately sent nie a reply, carefully avoiding the point I had raised and stating that hp could jiot give an opinion himself. "I have repeatedly drawn attention tojthreats to farmers by an official of tho Now Zealand Workers' Union. I drew attention to the propaganda from Government, radio stations, both national and commercial, headed by the controller, Mr. Scrimgeour, who talks every Sunday urging the overthrow of tho capitalist system—the British system. I drew attention to the direct propaganda by various sections against assisting Britain /in war. Nothing is done to stop this kind of breeding ground for dissension. Actually, it appears to have official approval in many C, r ;3OS,

Opposition's Position "I he Opposition has a responsible position in the governing of New Zealand and the people are not in tho mood to-day to tolerate such attacks «*s Mr. Nash has made upon tlio Opposi- ;. lon »" said Mr. Hamilton. "J would Opposition lias received 110 co-operation a, '. v kind from the Government since our first offer. T have received no moiv liitonnation than any nieniber of the pi 'llO, nor have lin any ivay been in jny different posi tion than J was as ofF ' r 10 os ition before the m o,r c .°-oppratioii was given. '" spite of this members of the _ PJMsition and the National Party are J J ting every bit of their support into effort, as apart from the polithnf The Government cannot deny . the great assistance it has reCUed from cur people."