COALITION UNDER FIRE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12088, 17 August 1917, Page 4

COALITION UNDER FIRE.

POLICY AND LEADERSHIP WANTED. [From Our Correspondent.] WELLINGTON. August 10. "What this country wants is policy a rid leadership, and after two years of National Government, we have not goti it," declared Or Newman to-night while spending in the Budget debate. "As a.'matter of fact-, after three years we do not know the Government's policy." Hon G. W. Russell: Win the war. Dr Newman: Yes, win it he war, and yon arc doing it so badly than, wo do not know wneii you will win it. (Laugiiter.) The member also commented on tho "last man and the last shilling '' statement, which he said was boldly proclaimed by the Lteteiica Minister. bir James Allen : I never said '' Send Urn iat>* mail and the last shilling."' l)r Newman: Oil, well, we will not use that phrasf, because it is such a bad one, bur. we have heard it so often, that 1 did not know what else to use. (La lighter.) Alt'-r comparing this declaration with subsequent uncertain announcements, Dr Newman remarked, "The Government's vacillation from day to day makes it appear very much as if the Government has no settled policy." Later in his speech the member observed, "Tilings are not working very smoothly in the Cabinet. If on© side proposes the other sidt> disposes, and nothing is done. It seems to me that' the case is like that of the man who, after being married, admitted ' ship is bliss and marriag© is (Roars of laughter.) It seem to mo th« Coalition has been a disappointment, but the country is aching to get a definite lead from the Government,. and lot it show itself to be strong enough to' give a lead." (Hear*'ixe'ar^