WAR CABINET IS STILL POSSIBLE

Southland Times, Issue 24161, 25 June 1940, Page 6

WAR CABINET IS STILL POSSIBLE

Door To Union Not Bolted

PARTY FEELING IN PARLIAMENT (From Our Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, June 24. Although the House of Representatives met on only two days of last week there was more evidence of party feeling than at any other stage of the session. However, it is safe to say that the door to union between the parties as far as the war effort is concerned has not been bolted even if it has been slammed at times from both sides. Opposition speakers, particularly the Rt. Hon J. G. Coates (Kaipara) and the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes (Hurunui) were most reasonable in their comments, and the Prime Minister (the Hon. P. Fraser) and the Minister of Finance (the Hon. W. Nash) both insisted that it should be possible for representatives of the two parties to work together in harmony and absolute equality. ■ As far as harmony was concerned, the Imprest Supply debate, which was the only business before the House, did not open well; The Leader of the Opposition (the Hon. Adam Hamilton) opened the discussion with a speech that was forceful and provocative, and ,the Prime Minister -replied in kind. Other speakers took their cite from the leaders and at times there was a decidedly unfriendly atmosphere between the benches. Many speakers kept clear of party politics, however, and discussed the war. situation without reference to the existing political, situation. In general, comments on the war from the Opposition urged an intensification of military preparations, production and precautions against “fifth column” activities, and, on the other side of the House, Government members showed a certain amount of complacency and argued that the Government was doing all possible and'had offered to do more if Britain required more.' TRAINING FOR ALL MEN Unexpected interest was given to the debate by the speech of'Mr E. L. Cullen (Lab., Hawke’s Bay). Mr Cullen did not go forward in the swath cut by previous speakers on his side, . but plumped all out for military training for all fit men. He declared that he had always taken the view that all men should be taught to defend their homes and families, and then suggested quite forcibly that more could be done in the war effort by graphically likening the Government to a man who could be hurried forward with a pin applied from behind.

Mr Forbes addressed the House in a calm and deliberate manner and was listened to with marked attention. He discussed the negotiations that had been conducted between the two parties and pointed out-the need for unity at the fountain head if the country was to give of its best., Mr Coates followed the same lines and made it clearer than the majority of the speakers had done just why the Opposition had refused to play a part in the Government’s plans. Summed up, his statement was that the Opposition represented a large section of the community that had a right to claim representation in the Cabinet when their liberties were in the keeping of the Government The only attempt at a reply was made by the Minister of Labour (the Hon, P. C. Webb); who followed the argument that two wrongs could make a right. He said, in effect, that the Opposition could not claim representation in the Cabinet because those who elected Labour members during the last war were not given representation in the Coalition Cabinet formed by the Rt Hon. W. F. Massey and the Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Ward. He did not mention that greater liberties have been taken with the rights of the people by the legislation passed since the House met than was the case during the last war. THE “HIDDEN HAND”

The suggestion in the lobbies that a “hidden hand” was in the way of union between the parties became vocal when Mr A. E. Jull (Nat., Waipawa), spoke

in the debate. Mr Jull alleged outside control of the Government and went on to suggest that some member on the Government side should resign his seat so that Mr James Roberts, president of the New Zealand Labour Party could take his place in the House. Apart from frequent interjections, there was no comment in return from Government members. Although there has been considerable complaint in the lobbies about the debate being a waste of time at the present juncture, it served a useful purpose in that it allowed explanations on both sides and probably led to a better understanding. The comments of Opposition members could be taken as an indication that further overtures would he considered in a reasonable spirit, and remarks, and particularly interjections, from the Government side showed that several of the Ministers are anxious to establish a unified effort if at aIL possible.