PREMIER’S COURAGE.

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18257, 19 February 1931, Page 8

PREMIER’S COURAGE.

MR POLSON’S TRIBUTE

WILL SUPPORT GOVERNMENT,

HOUSE SHOULD UNITE

“The best investment New Zealand has made has been in sending Hon. G. W. Forbes to the Imperial Conference,’’ remarked Mr W. J. Poison, M.P., to a Times representative, this afternoon. “While there, he undoubtedly saw the debauching effects of the dole and realised the serious situation to which the Empire and the Mother Country herself were drifting. Through his contract with the prominent men of the Empire he obtained an insight into things that he could never have got had he remained in New Zealand.’’

Mr Poison said he believed it was the duty of all thinking people to get behind the Prime Minister. Whether he went as far or further than all of us wished was not the question. The situation to-day was fraught with possible catastrophic consequences to the Dominion, and only united action by the moderate section of the House could save New Zealand from going the way of Australia in the near future. Mr Poison added that it was his intention personally to support the Government in the courageous action it was taking. He believed that view would be taken by many other members of Parliament who were not members of the United Party. Mr Forbes’ proposals were obviously intended to meet a unique situation without doing injustice to any section. He sought to spread the sacrifice amongst ail. The details of how this was to be done Parliament no doubt would implement, “in the meantime,’’ said Mr Poison,” we have to he grateful for a man of courage as the Prime Minister has shown himself to he.’’