ALL FOR EMPIRE.

Colonist, Volume LVII, Issue 13825, 21 July 1915, Page 1 (Supplement)

ALL FOR EMPIRE.

OPPOSITION AND THE MINISTRY.

STATEMENT OF SESSIONAL

PLANS

(From oxm own Correspondent.)

Wellington, June 25.

Practical demonstration "of the Opposition's desire to help the Administration in forwarding all business relating to the Empire's need was'the passing in the House of Representatives this afternoon of an Imprest Supply Bill for £1,.269}000 without a word of criticism. Sir Joseph Ward asked a question, and that was all. When the Bill was through, the Prime Minister at once thanked the Opposition for the swift and friendly passage of the Bill. While-the Government had no desire to shirk discussion —far from it—he hoped this was only the first of many occasions during the present session when he would have an apportunity of acknowledging the courtesy of "my friends opposite." Sir Joseph" Ward, as Leader of the Opposition, expressed appreciation of the Prime Minister's remarks. "I think it is right for me to say," he continued, "that the line which the Opposition conceives to be its duty at the present juueture is to help in every way in its power in all matters which affect the Empire or our own country in connection with the war. The Government must, of course, accept responsibility for its policy. We cannot share that responsibility, I do not want our side to proceed under any false pretences in connection with such,, an important issue. We are anxious to help the Government in every way in our power in all matters connected with the war."