LONGER LIFE

Waikato Times, Volume 129, Issue 21486, 30 July 1941, Page 4

LONGER LIFE

PRESENT PARLIAMENT SURPRISE SUGGESTION ENLAIJSED WAR CABINET BUDGET DEBATE RESUMED WELLINGTON, Tuesday A surprise suggestion by Mr C. A. Wilkinson (Independent—Egraont) when the Budget debate was continued in the House of Representatives today was that if a National Government could not be achieved Parliament should extend its life for the duration of the war and enlarge the War Cabinet. Two Ministers contributed to the debate. A detailed review of New Zealand’s war effort was given tonight by the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, and he was followed by the Hon. P. K. Paikea, representative of the native race on the Executive Council. The newly-elected member for Waitemata, Mrs M. M. Dreaver, made her first appearance in the House. She was sworn in and was later joined in her seat by the only other woman member of the House, Mrs C. C. S. Stewart (Government — Wellington East). The Leader of the Opposition, Mr S. G. Holland, in notice of a question to the Minister of Industries and Commerce, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, suggested that representations should be made to the British Government or to Lieutenant Sir Ronald Charles, director of the British Aluminium Company, bringing under notice the potentialities of New Zealand for the production of aluminium. Prevention of Unity Mr Wilkinson said it would be a national disaster if the Government persisted with its intention to hold a general election. There had been a determined effort by Government speakers to prevent any movement for unity in Parliament. Danger was coming closer and closer to New Zealand every day and there was a need to pause in domestic strife and prepare for an emergency. It was by no means certain that a general election would confirm the Labour Party in office. “If a National Government is not possible Parliament could postpone the general election for the duration of the war and enlarge the scope and power of the War Cabinet,” Mr Wilkinson concluded. “If this course were adopted there could be a complete truce.” Post and Telegraph Salaries Mr P. Carr (Government —Auckland West) spoke on the housing shortage in Auckland, and Mr H. E. Combs (Government Wellington Suburbs) said that workers for the Government's war effort deserved consideration instead of abuse. Mr Combs complained that the maximum salary of £260 a year, with 15 per cent deductions, for the lower-paid members of the second division of the Post and Telegraph Department was not high enough. The opinion that the Government should advertise in Australia and elsewhere for doctors to operate the social security scheme, guaranteeing them £2OOO a year, was expressed by Mr J. W. Munro (Government— Dunedin North). He said he was not in favour of the idea of forcing the doctors to operate the scheme if they did not want to. Maoris In Forces Mr Paikea, who reviewed the war effort of the Maoris, paid tribute to the gallantry of the Maori Battalion overseas. Total registrations for the Maori Battalion had reached 4709, Mr Paikea said. For the territorials, the Maori total was 862. He urged that when men were registered they should be put into training straight away. Mr C. A. Barrell (Government— Hamilton) expressed the view that the Government had given an example in the spirit of unity in the offer it had made to the Opposition. He thought the Leader of the Opposition, Mr S. G. Holland, should join the War Cabinet. Mr Holland could bring both experience and loyalty that would be of value. The House adjourned at 10.30 o’clock until tomorrow afternoon.