THE SUPREME TEST.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1828, 18 May 1918, Page 4

THE SUPREME TEST.

Mr G. H. Roberts, Minister of Labour, at the Rotary Club:— “The greatest need of the moment

is national unity. If i could, I would re-establish the national nnilv that characterised the nation

in the early days of the war, because if national unity was necessary to the preservation of the country in the early days of the war, it is even more necessary at this

hue, for we have reached the supre-

me* t tesf of the conflict. If the British nation shows an absolutely united front during the next six months,.victory is certain. The Government is animated by one con-

sideration—to win the Avar, in order to preserve to the world democratic institutions, liberty, and justice for all, and if, consistent with this purpose, peace could be established tomorroAv, there is not one who would not Aveieome the cessation of hosti-

lies. But, unless this object were

secured, by the terms of peace, our children Avould have to take up the task Avhieh avc Avere too cowardly to continue. Every section of the people has ah interest in peace, but I deny the right of any section to' complicate the issue by entering.into negotiation with any section bf any

enemy country. (Loud cheers.) A peace that will secure the triumph of democratic.,rights throughout the world is not to be secured by pushing forward party programmes in this country. I also hate to see the question of provision for our disabled soldiers thrust into the cockpit of party. That is not a matter for party politics. It is a sacred trust for the nation as a whole.”