THE PREMIER AND HIS CRITICS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2775, 19 May 1916, Page 4

THE PREMIER AND HIS CRITICS

The speech delivered by the Prime Minister in the House of Representatives last night caused a revival of interest in the debate on the Address-in-Rcply, which was becoming rather dull. The criticism of the war policy and administration of the National Government has been on the whole remarkably mild. There been, generally speaking, a commendable absence of party spirit, and most of the speakers have stated. their opinions in a reasonable and moderate manner. Mr. Massey's speech dealt in a broad and general way with a number of matters which arc just now receiving a good deal of attention both in Parliament and in' the country, but it contained no new revelation of policy, though a few hints were dropped wnich threw sumo flickering light on things to come. The public has already .been assured that the coming Financial Statement will disclose a very satisfactory position. It is known that the war taxation imposed last year has'brought in much more than the estimated amount of revenue. Mr. Jlassey stated last night that two millions were raised in this way last year, and the pockets of those who have difficulty , in making both ends meet had hardly been touched. He did not comply with the request for a disclosure of the details of tho Government's policy. It is not usual for Ministers on suCh occasions to take members into their that extent. For such information wc will no doubt have to wait until the Finance Minister reads his Budget, and - until the Military Service Bill makes its appearance. In reply to the people who are demanding "conscription of ■wealth," Mr. Massey assured the i House that tlv Government would

not hesitate to ask for all the money required in order to enable New Zealand to do everything possible to assist the Imperial Government in bringing the war to a succcssful conclusion. The people arc quite willing to make whatever sacrifices may bo necessary for the achievement of this supremo purpose. It would be foolisn to ■' raiso more money by taxation than is actually required; but there should be' no hesitation about getting all that is needed for the proper training and equipment of our soldiers, and for making generous provision for the sick and wounded and the dependants ai the fallen. As regards men, it is satisfactory, to be told that the Government is prepared, if necessary, to increase .our contribution to the Empire's fighting forces —to more than'fulfil its promises. "Wo may send more men," said the Prime Minister; "we will not send less. If more are wanted,, more will be sent." This is the proper spirit. The country is quite willing to back up the Government in any steps it may take to increase the help New Zealand is giving to the Empire in this crisis.