In the Council.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 October 1922, Page 4

In the Council.

NEAR EAST QUESTION

(From Hansard.)

Tlie Hon. Mr Michel.—T feel sure that the resolution will he carried with a unanimous voice. I believe that 95 per cent, of the people of New Zealand will commend the Government for the prompt action they have taken in this great Empire crisis. I have no sympathy with the argument that the Government should have waited until Parliament re-assembled yesterday or to-day before replying to the British Prime Minister’s momentous cablegram. If we had replied yesterday or to-day the value of our offer to associate ourselves with Great Britain in any action she may take would have been very considerably discounted. Tt was the fact ol the cablegram being sent on Saturday night that raised the enthusiasm in London and we see by the latest cable news that the position is said to he a little easier, and that is attributed to the united front which the Empire has shown during the last few days. New Zealand in the past has shown oil every occasion that she has a truly Imperialistic spirit. Whenever the Empire has called she has responded. Wo heard the call. Wo not only hoard it, hut we know our duty, and. what was more, wo had tlie courage to do it-. T feel that that will he the position on the present occasion should the or.sis develop. Wo have in this country' and T suppose we have in every part lof tlie Empire—a small section who will continue to protest against wai. They arc denouncing that which no man would attempt to defend, except in so far ns war is necessary to maintain the supremacy of our Empire and the safety of our hearths and homes. No one talks in favour of war, and c o I when these few people denounce it T say they are protesting in vain—they are denouncing something none of ns attempt to defend. However, the response of the last few days shows that the Prime Minister of this c.nm- | trv correctly gauged not only the teniI per of Parliament but also of the pooI pie of New Zealand. That is shown hv j the magnificent response that has been made during the last few days, not a response to an invitation, hut to a. haio j suggestion that men may ho wanted, and the result has been that men have put down their names in sufficient numbers to form the first contingent should it he that we have to send it. \nd we are glad to know that members of Parliament, those who felt thev are able to go, have also offered their service. We know that several members of another place have put then names down, and T believe it is true that three honourable members of this Council have also already placed their services at the disposal of tlie Government—l refer to the Hon. Colonel Collins, the Hon. Colonel Smith, and the Hon. John Patuki. That goes to show how deep-seated and how sincere is the feeling of loyalty in this country; and those who twit us sometimes with not having gone to the late war forget that there is hardly a member of either branch of the General Assembly who lias not, been lon'Osented in that great- war by their own flesh and blood, and will ho in this one should necessity arise. T can only say that tlie response of the last few days shows that the hearts of the people of New Zealand are still right, and I am confident that the action of the Government is commended • not onlv by large majority in Parliament. but by 95 per rent, if not more, of the men and women of this Dominion. T have much pleasure in supporting the motion.