INDEPENDENT VIEW

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24739, 16 October 1941, Page 8

INDEPENDENT VIEW

A NATIONAL GOVERNMENT FAVOURED GRAVITY OF WAR SITUATION (0.C.) WELLINGTON, Oct. 15. The view that if the war situation overseas deteriorated greatly or if trouble threatened nearer home, some form of National Government would inevitably be formed was expressed by Mr C. A. Wilkinson (Ind., Egmont), during the debate on the Prolongation of Parliament Bill in the House of Representatives to-night. He applauded the speeches of the leaders of the two principal parties, and said he thought the country would do likewise.

" I think the speeches we have heard will be in keeping with the temper of the people," Mr Wilkinson said. He believed that at least 90 per cent, of the people did not desire an election, and he held that to-night good work had been done.

"I personally support the action that has been taken." he said. "I have always felt" that the election should be postponed, and that . there should be very little bargaining in that connection. I regret that it has not been found possible to form a National Government, but it is quite certain that if war conditions are not favourable, or if grave dangers confront this country, then sooner or later we shall be forced to reconsider the matter and probably to have a Government representing not only a section, however large, but- the whole of the people. " I fell that may come yet," Mr Wilkinson added, "because the war situation does not seem favourable at the moment, and as the Prime Minister has said there is a grave possibility of trouble nearer home. If that time comes we will have to pull together as one people."