NEW ZEALAND’S SHARE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9717, 20 July 1917, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND’S SHARE

THE QUESTION OF REINFORCEMENTS.

PRIME AIINISTER ANSWERS QUESTIONS.

“ The Imperial Government fully understand the position in Now Zealand both from the point of view of reinforcements and food supplies. _ They also know that tho people of this Dominion can be depended upon to leave nothing undone that will assist in w,rathe Prime Minister yesterday to a ning the war.” Suck was the printed reply given by question put by Air W. H. Field (Otaki) as to “Whether, as representing the Government as a whole, he will without delay cable tho Imperial Government reiterating our unswerving determination, if necessary, to continue sending tho reinforcements promised by us so long as we have available men who are fit ‘and aro not vitally needed for essential industries here, but pointing out that the increasing drain on our industries is such that a continuance of it will so materially lessen production in this country as to seriously affect our power to meet our taxation and other obligations, and generally create distress; and further inquiring whether the Imperial authorities will not now be satisfied with our turning our attention rather to production than to the supply of men for the firing-line.” Replying to a question by Air J. Payne 1 (Grey Lynn) as to whether ho would appoint a day et an early date to discuss what should be Now Zealand’s share in the war so far as finding men is concerned, Air Massey said: “Members have sufficient opportunities to express their opinions on any matter connected with carrying on Now Zealand’s share of tho war. The suggestion that because America has come into the war as our Ally, and the Russians under General Brusiloff are now doing well, this Dominion should relax its efforts is not in keeping with the British Imperialistic spirit of tho people of New Zealand.”