A UNITED FRONT

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3153, 3 August 1917, Page 4

A UNITED FRONT

JIB. MASSEY AND TJIB NATIONAL GOVERNMENT. "Being Prime Uirnistcr of a National Government is not the easiest thing in tho world," said Mr. Massey in the Houso of Representatives last night. I, liavo heard nioro criticsim of this Got-. ernment in the Houso than I have ever known a party Government to face. We have been criticised not merely from what used to be the Opposition side, but from all parts of the Chamber. Bnt I can say without hesitation that every member of the National Government has done bis level best to enable the country to do its best in tho present great national crisis. Every member of the National Government has sunk party and ] personal interests. The National Government, in spite of somo feeble attempts to create dissension, is solid to-day. Members will bo glad to know that. (Hear, bear.) I think itMvill bo a verygood thing, speaking for myself and for a majority of the pooplo of this.coun-' try, if the National Government lasts until the end of the war. If a majority of the member of this House think tho National Government has, been a mistaU then I am quite prepared to accent the position cheerfully and with equanimity. I am ready to do my duty wherever X am placed." ,A member: You are quite safe. Mr. Massey: I know I am quite sale. X do' not think it would be a proper thing in existing circumstancess to appeal to the country. If. you did appeal to'tho country what would happen, Mr. Lee" (Oamaru): Goodness knows. I don't think it would be a right thing to appeal to the country. Mr. Hornsby: You would havo to appeal as a National Government. Mr. Massey: And we would f.ome with ft-, thumping majority. There: have been three by-elections and we h " n three supporters of the National ,Gover A m member: What about Hawke's Bay? Mr. Massey: Wo have got from Hawke's Bay a most ardent and enthusinstic supporter of the National ment. (Laughter.) I was thuak«"f his platform speech, w '" ch „ n^r ' cad w" my war down from VancouveJ. We have not avoided mistakes, but I think the great majority of tho people prepared to support the National Government to the end. If not I am ready to nccept the decision'. Other hnve followed our example. Australia h« formed a National Government. Canada has now a National Party, and will have a National, |ime The nirhfc thine in time if cS is'to drop X>rty politics, and present a united front to the Empire.