THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2603, 27 October 1915, Page 6

THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT

MUST HAVE SUPPORT OF A NATIONAL PARTY. Replying to the toast of the National Ministry at the banquet on Wednesday evening, reports the "Bay of.Plenty Times," the Hon. Mr. Herries, Minister of Railways, said that when the history of the Dominion came to bo written the session that jiroduced the National Ministry would bo found to have witnessed one of the most remarkable ovonts in our history. No ono, especially those in Parliament, thought such a thing possitfle. After oho had for years been looking upon everything his opponent did or said as wrong it was something of a wrench to come together, sink all differences—and in some eases personal dislikes—and 'work harmoniously for the good of the country, for that was the reason which actuated the parties in coming together. We have our duty, liere to do in; this great crisis in the Empire's history, and although perhaps our share was small in comparison, it can only ,be done if all parties unite and sink their differences, and speak to the Mother Country and to our enemies as one people. In this spirit was the National Ministry born, and not a single difference had arisen between members of the Cabinet since they camo together, nor did ho think that any would ever arise so long as tiie war continued. What the Government wanted now was the support of the country. It was no use having a Government witliout a party behind it. They did not want a Reform Party or a Liberal Party. They looked to the, people to give them the support that they felt they were entitled to. The Government would have to do unpopular things, and these could only be done by a strong National Government. They asked for the support of the people, and must have it. During the present crisis everything would Have to go by the board if necessary in order that our men could get to the front properly equipped and properly drilled. Then came tho caro of the sick and wounded. The Government had to see that the sinews of war—the silver bullet —were provided, and that would win in tho long run. Tliey had had to put on taxation that no party Government could have dared to put on. They rnav have to put on tho scrow still further/ and might havo to demand the last sixpence from tho people, but tho people would have to bear it. Acting on hints from the Old, Country expenditure may have 'to be cut down. The Government would do all this with reluctance, but if they had to tlio people would have to stand it. When the toast of the National Ministry was proposed and drunk with sincerity those who did so must realise all that a National Government carries with it in this time of stress and war. They wished to devote their best efforts to helping to carry the war to a successful conclusion; and must be allowed, with tlieii insido knowledge of what Was going on in the Old Country, to bo the best judges of what New Zealand should do, and what it was ablo t'o provide. When the war was over he hope? tho people would be able to say that they had carried the oountry through the crisis in a way that no party Government could have dono. In that spirit the National Government was formed, and in that spirit it looked for tile support of the people.