POLITICAL UNITY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 222, 20 September 1941, Page 6

POLITICAL UNITY

FORMATION OF NATIONAL GOVERNMENT DEPUTATION TO PRIME MINISTER CONSIDERATION PROMISED. (Press Assn.) Wellington. Sept. 19. A deputation of about 30 persons, representing the People’s Mo\ ement, waited on the Prime Minister (Mr. Fraser) and Mr. Nash at noon to-day to place before them a request for the formation of a National Government and the postponement of the forthcoming election. Mr. C. G. White, a solicitor, of Wellington. read a statement outlining the deputation's request. After extending a cordial welcome to Mr. Fraser on his return from abroad, and stating that his commendation of the singleness of purpose and unity of effort put forward by both the Government and people of Britain had been read with great interest in the Dominion, the statement said:— “We are confident you will do whatever lies in your power to bring about the same unity in New Zealand so that we may be able to produce the maximum all-in war effort and thus emulate the citizens and Government of the United Kingdom.” The deputation was non-party, the statement continued, and represented all classes and schools of political thought, and there was a very large body of public opinion behind the request for a National Government which was being made. It added: “Our request is that a National Government be formed and that the forthcoming election be postponed. We feel ihe reasons which prompt us to ask for a National Government should be apparent to all. “Confidence in the Government is absolutely essential during a period of grave national crisis, and without it no Government can achieve a 100 per cent, national effort. Moreover, this confidence cannot be achieved unless the Government is truly representative of all the people—a Government which contains representatives of all political parties.” The statement went on to express the opinion that an election this year could not end in the destruction of real national unity and in bitterness, also in a waste of time, petrol, and paper, and saiG there was nothing democratic at present in placing two party issues before the electors. It also felt our soldiers overseas should not be bothered with an election at the present time and questioned the advisability of running the risk of losing the services of the members of the War Cabinet through an election defeat.

Concluding, the statement said that in bringing about unity in New Zealand the Prime Minister would be doing a signal service to New Zealand's war effort and would no doubt earn the gratitude of Mr. Winston Churchill and the people of Britain. He would most certainly receive the whole-hearted support of all New Zealanders, at home and overseas. “Earnest Consideration.” Mr. Fraser, in reply, said he was very much impressed with the way in which the case had been put and the representations of widespread feeling in the country. He gave an assurance that, although the matter was not an easy one, because there were so many opinions to be consulted in the country. the deputation's representations would receive his very earnest consideration. “Whether a National Government is essential to national unity is a matter that allows a variety of opinions." continued Mr. Fraser. “Whether it would be wise and advisable and democratic, even in the present crisis, for the present Government to remain in office. even if part of it were reconstructed as a National Government. is a matter requiring consideration. Therefore, the decision in regard to such an important and vital matter —because the whole question of democratic representation is involved—must be considered in the light of the imminence of any dangerous war situation. If the situation suddenly precipitates itself into a crisis in the Pacific then obviously the position would have to be viewed differently.” Mr. Fraser said he subscribed whole-heartedly to the sentiments of national unity, but there was always the possibility of creating greater disunity in endeavouring to create national unity.

OPPOSITION EFFORTS

MR. S. G. HOLLAND OUTLINES PROPOSALS "EARNEST OF SINCERITY" (P.A.) Parliament Bldgs., Sept. 19. A written statement setting out the Opposition’s efforts to form a National Government, and its determination to form such a Government in the event of the National Party winning the elections, was read by the Leader of the Opposition. Mr. S. G. Holland, to a similar deputation organised by the People’s Movement to that which waited upon the Prime Minister and the Hon. W. Nash this morning. Messrs. Neill and McDougall, of Wellington, who headed the deputation, said they realised that the initiative in carrying out what they suggested lay in the hands of the Government. In all negotiations there must hr two sides, rind the deputation thought, that as leader of the National Tarty. Mr. Holland would have a very important part to play in completing any formation of National Government and making his voice, heard. They realised he had done a great deal to bring about this unity and did not think the door had been closed, even at this eleventh hour. Replying. Mr. Holland said he was impressed by the motives which had caused the deputation and he was glad to know that the attitude of the Parliamentary Opposition in sonslantly advocating a National Government met with the widespread support indicated by the deputation. His colleagues and he shared the view | that an election at this time was uni desirable if it could be avoided. Never i before hr.«: New '■’. ■eland faced such | ucri Io J- times Never before had the peace of the world been so disturbed. | and never before had the forces cf oppression and barbarism so

thn-aioned the freedom of all democratic peoples. Nation after nation had been over-run and subjugated, and Britain, the very heart of the Empire, had been attacked with all the fury imaginable. The greatest factor in a successful British resistance was the courage and unity of the people. In New Zealand our security was wrapped up with the security of Britain and the Empire, and here, too, it was most important that our war effort ’should not be weakened by party differences. Realising this, the National Party consistently advocated dropping party politics and the establishments of a united political front. The Opposition had urged the Government to follow Britain’s example by the formation of a truly non-party Government, said Mr. Holland. All along they have been willing to sink their differences, drop party politics and join the formation of a National Government. The only condition had been that the Government Party should do likewise and drop party politics and controversial domestic legislation for the duration of the war. Without such reciprocity on the Government’s part it would seem that an election was unavoidable, and even now it was not 100 late for the Primp Minister to profit hy his observations in Britain and give to lhe people of New Zealand in this crisis the lead they were awaiting. The non-formation of a National Government, in the last two years was the responsibility of the Government, continued Mr. Holland. The decision as to whether there would be an election or not was also the Government’s responsibility. If the Government decided that an election should be held, he could do no more than reaffirm the pledge of the Opposition, fully supported by the National Party, that if they were returned to power an invitation would immediately be extended to the other parties to join the formation of a truly non-party Government to hold office for the duration. “I repeat this as an earnest of our sincerity.” Mr. Holland concluded.