PARTY POLITICS ATTACKED

Southland Times, Issue 24356, 10 February 1941, Page 6

PARTY POLITICS ATTACKED

MR COATES APPEALS FOR GREAT EFFORT

“Frankly, I cannot get enthusiastic over politics today and, as I see it, no party Government can possibly achieve the success in the war effort we require,” the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, a member of the War Cabinet, told members of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce in an address on Friday, states The Press. This was his answer, he said, to those who suggested he should play a more active part in politics.

Every ounce of energy and determination was required today to further the war effort, Mr Coates said. That was the realization of all responsible people, including the workers, without whose solid support it was impossible to obtain increased production. He refused to believe that the people would not rise and meet the crisis.

“Can normal politics play a part in the hour of national crisis? I doubt it. I think our politics today arc wrapped up in self preservation, the care of our homes and families, whether we are fighting our battles overseas or here. Nobody can today promise anything for the future. It is nonsensical to say you are going to improve this and that. Bright prophecies and all that are not worth a snap of the finger. Conditions are entirely abnormal for normal politics and as we face them so we shall reap the reward.

“How can be do it? I want to leave one thought in your minds. Unlike the last war, every man, woman and child is in the war. That is my view. They are in the front line and from them we must expect achievement. Let us forget about the wonderful conditions we have fought for. It is true you must provide for those people, and provide for them well, but we now want the goods and material turned out at the fastest possible rate. We should say: ‘lf we get through this struggle you can go back to the old conditions and we will fight it out on the old grounds.’ In the meantime the greatest effort is required.”