WATCH NEEDED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20091, 10 November 1939, Page 6

WATCH NEEDED

TASK OF OPPOSITION TREND IN DOMINION STATE SOCIALISM CLOAK OF EMERGENCY (Tor Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. A caucus of National Party members lasting throughout tlie day was held in Parliament Buildings yesterday when the Government’s recent legislation and administration was discussed. The caucus fully realised tlie importance and responsibility of tlie Opposition at such a critical time as this, said the Hon. Adam Hamilton, the Leader of the Opposition, in on interview after the caucus last night.

“We have decided to hold a further caucus of the party in the first week in December.

“Everywhere tlie seriousness of the political issues of the day is being realised and tlie vigilance of the Opposition is more than, ever necessary, since advantage was taken by the Government, and is still being taken, to implement the policy of Slate socialism under the very first cloak of tlie war emergency. Necessity For Unity “This advantage reveals a complete lack of appreciation of tlie necessity for unity in the country as a basis for the supreme war effort required. Tlie expression of opinion at the caucus to-day emphasised that tlie Opposition, representing a vast expression of opinion, lias already pledged its whole-hearted support of the Government in the war work and is giving that support. It will continue to support tlie war work in spite of political difficulties

“Tlie caucus was equally emphatic that the public should be aware that this in no way affects tlie political activities by the party which is following the 'lead given in this by the Labour Party and will continue.

"There lias (been some confusion about this latter point. One of tlie first things the Government did aftei the outbreak of war was to urge, through its official organ, the maintenance of political activity at full pressure. Tlie unprecedented use of the radio, national and commercial stations. for political propaganda and purely party advancement is one phase of which everyone must be aware of to-day.”