A NATIONAL GOVERNMENT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24944, 17 June 1942, Page 6

A NATIONAL GOVERNMENT

Sir,—The claim by "Ma Tilda" that the Prime Minister had done everything possible to see that nothing was left undone is a preposterous distortion of the truth. Up to the present Mr Fraser has made no move to meet the wishes of the majority of the people by creating a National Government, as the people have not given them or his colleagues a mandate to retain their portfolios. This refusal to acknowledge the people's rights and demands is not only frustrating and hindering the war effort, but is betraying the men, women, and children of the Dominion as well as our soldiers overseas. To suggest that if Mr Holland joined the War Cabinet the problem would be solved is simply fantastic. The same party would still retain power and monopolise the privileges of office, while we would still be in the undignified and degrading position of having a War Council which contains objectors to service in the last war. What this country needs, and is calling out for, is men not only with unblemished character and abundance of loyalty, but with brains to lead us—men who are not only big enough to be true unto themselves, but men who will act courageously and fearlessly at no matter what cost to self and party. Above all we want men with a little more intestinal fortitude than a whitebait to lead us to victory.—l am, etc., Matilda. June 14.