THIRD IN SECRET

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21199, 23 August 1940, Page 7

THIRD IN SECRET

SITTING OF HOUSE WAR CABINET SPEAKERS TRAINING AND SUPPLY (By Telegraph.—special to Times) WELLINGTON, Thursday For the third time since the start of the session at the end of May the House of Representatives met in secret today to hear and then discuss the latest developments in connection with New Zealand’s war effort. After formal business had been transacted the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, drew the attention of the Speaker, the Hon. W. E. Barnard, to the presence of “strangers,” who were asked to leave. Members of the Press Gallery, messengers on duty and the few occupants of the public galleries then retreated from the chamber and its precincts. The doors were locked and the usual proceedings taken to ensure the secrecy of proceedings. The House rose at 12.10 a.m. until tomorrow morning, when bills will be dealt with.

Mr Fraser had said yesterday that it would be preferable to complete the business of the secret session at one sitting and enable the House to proceed tomorrow with the programme of minor bills in hand. The following official report was issued by the Speaker when the House rose about midnight:— “The Prime Minister reviewed developments in the international situation since the House last met in secret session. The Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, then outlined what had been done to strengthen home defences and to train men for service at home and overseas. The supply situation in New Zealand and possible sources of supply abroad were dealt with by the Minister of Supply, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan. The work of the War Cabinet and problems being faced were discussed by the Hon. A. Hamilton and the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates.” There were 15 other speakers.