THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Southland Times, Issue 23307, 17 September 1937, Page 8

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

INTERNATIONAL POSITION DISCUSSED (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, September 16. The Address-in-Reply debate was continued in the Legislative Council, which met at 2.30. The Hon. F. Waite, D. 5.0., Otago, discussing the international situation said that while wars were going on a great deal of work was being done to prevent their spread. The actions of the Scandinavians, Denmark, France, Britain and the United States showed that all were anxious to bring about a better understanding between nations. On the other hand there was an obvious struggle between Communism and Fascism in Spain and between Socialism in Russia and what was virtually Fascism in Japan. Mr Waite said that he believed Czechoslovakia might also prove a trouble point because it looked as if Germany would make it a second Spain. Freer trade and greater tolerance would lead to better relations between the nations and it was the duty of every government to endeavour to bring that about. The Hon. V. Ward, Wellington, also referred to the international situation and said he was sure that if the volunteer defence system in New Zealand did not prove adequate the Government would use other means, but he hoped that this would not be necessary. New Zealand needed more population to prevent foreign countries from saying the land was not being occupied, to provide men for defence, to reduce dependence on overseas markets, to encourage manufacturing without upsetting the balance of overseas trade and to reduce the overhead costs per capita. The Hon. W. W. Snodgrass, N.8.E., Nelson, said he was very sorry the mover and seconder had defended the Government. The Government did not need defending, and if it did the Council was not the place to defend it. The Council should be without politics and should receive and consider measures brought before it with an open mind. The Council adjourned at 4.30.