THE RATIONAL GOVERNMENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1599, 17 August 1916, Page 2

THE RATIONAL GOVERNMENT.

THE work of the National Government of New Zealand since its formation soon after the outbreak of the vcar was warmly praised at a luncheon to the Prime Minister at Panmure on Monday. In responding to the roast, the Prime Minister said he was well aware that a number of people did not approve 1 of the National Government; personally be was of opinion Hint they were mistaken. It was impossible to conduct' I he- a. IVaii's of a country like New Zealand and give satisfaction to everyone. The object of forming a National Government was to enable New Zealand to set aside all party and sectarian differences and to present a united front to the enemy. The National Government bail completely justified its. existence. Every member', from Sir Joseph IVard downward, had “played (he game." There had been no thought of parly, and every member bad worked with uiie object in view —to enable New Zealand to do its best to assist (he .Motherland and (heir fellow-citizens fighting on the other side of the world. The National Government bad aeeomplished work that no party Government eould have succeeded m doing. During the 11)14 session it had doubled the direct taxation of the country in order to enable New Zealand to do its share to win the war. 'The Reform Party, which be was associated wi(h, had been returned with a majority of one, and it would have been impossible for any parly to have got through legislation such as certain of that passed during the recent session. He mentioned the taking by the Government of 45 per (mnt. of war profits, the impost of 5 per cent, direct lax, and the .Military Service Bill, which, he said, would enable New Zealand to do its share in (he task of winning the war. Concerning the last Art mentioned. Mr Massey eould say,

spon kin;;' generally, that the support of Parliament had boon given to it ungrudgingly.