NATIONAL GOVERNMENT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23661, 21 May 1940, Page 11

NATIONAL GOVERNMENT

Sir, —The secretary of the British Labour Conference announces: "There is no Opposition. It is_ our Government, our war and our victory." What a contrast to the smug self-satisfaction of the New Zealand Labour Government! Give Them the Works. Sir, —Your leading article re a Coalition Government must meet with the approval of every man and woman who recognises the urgent need for a more vigorous prosecution of the war in this country. The slowness of recruiting in certain districts, and the general apathy of the majority of the civilian population toward the desperate plight of the Empire are sure signs that the present Government is failing to grapple with the realities of the situation. Where are those who cried so loudly for social' justice a few short' months ago? Can they not now take up the cry: "Equality of sacrifice"? It is the plain duty of the Government to form a coalition administration, for the Opposition contains men of proved ability, outstanding initiative and abounding energy, whose presence in the Cabinet would prove to the people the Government's unflinching determination to see this thing through to the end. We must fight in every sense of the word, that we may live again, oblivious to sacrifice, looking only for the day that will deliver the world from the threat of the Nazi beast* " Zephyrus."