TWO INCIDENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 24024, 23 July 1941, Page 9

TWO INCIDENTS

BEISK exchanges national unity issue government objections R) WELLINGTON, Tuesday unexpected interludes, one of foern marked by plain speaking, that later resulted in an apology, broke the , no r of the debate on the Budget in L House of Representatives to-day. Rnth incidents, which led to brisk evinces, occurred this afternoon, and ' r e' the subject of further reference toiirlit. There were six speakers in the lebate, four being Government memurj and two Opposition representaT veg ' The only Minister to speak was L Hon. H. T. Armstrong, who renewed the State Housing Department's ichievouients and future plans. National unity was again discussed shell the debate was resumed in the ifternoon. Government members did not favour a National Government, ilthough Mr. J- Hodgens (Government Lpalmerston North) suggested bringing into the Cabinet, some leaders of phases of national life. Party Politics Denied

"The reason why the Leader of the Opposition, sits on the Opposition benches is that the people of New Zealand did n°t desire-him or his party to administer the domestic affairs of the Minntrv, but now he wants to use the bark-door method," said Mr. I). W. Coleman (Government Gisborne). jhe Opposition, he added, already had representatives on the War Cabinet, and the Leader of the Opposition had boon invited to join, but that apparently was not sufficient. Air. Coleman contended it was manv months since any member of the Labour Party had indulged in party politics. Ail Opposition Member: Do you say that about the Minister of Health? Mr. Coleman: Yes, he has not indulged in party politics. He has issued R Ministerial statement from time to time, but that is vastly different. "An Election Budget"

"This is a straight-nut election Budget, and anyone who had any doubt in his mind whether there was going to be ail election must be convinced that there is one in the offing," said Mr. D. C. Kicld (Opposition—Waitaki). "If we B*ve an election, the Government must remember that the onus is on it and not on us." Mr. Kidd added that it was strange the Labour Government in New Zealand would not tolerate the formation of a National Government, while the Prime Minister, the Jtt. Hon. P. Fmser, had eulogised Mr. Churchill's action in forming such a Government in Britain. Canning Works Extension

Satisfaction that there was provision in the Budget for extending canning works was expressed by Mr. Kidd, who recalled the diet of "bully" beef protided for New Zealand troops in the last war, and suggested that canned jamb and mutton should bn provided for the soldiers now abroad. "I cannot see that a get together movement could be made effective by endeavouring to compromise between two parties., as wide apart as the poles in their economic policy," said Mr. Hqdgens. He defended the Government's taxation policy, in view of the introduction of conscription of manpower. Insulation Claims

The producers of New Zealand should be thankful to the Government for inlulating them against the shocks of outside commerce, said Mr. T. H. McCombs (Government —Lyttelton), tonight, Dairy farmers had been insulated agairtst shock by more than £2,000,000. Mr, McCombs claimed that the Government had done a great deal to promote industrial .harmony. Mr. McCombs also complained that while he was in camp for six months National Party members had spoken in his .electorate, and asked if this was carrying out a political truce. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr. S. 0, Holland, said there was absolutely no truce. '' Sf'i !: i