THE ADDRESS-IN-REPLY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXX, Issue 32, 12 May 1916, Page 3

THE ADDRESS-IN-REPLY.

Wellington, May 11. When the House resumed at 7.30, iVFr 1). H. Guthrie (Oroua), raovedjthe Addross-in-Ileply to the Governor’s Speech. He 1 said he thought that they might witjli advantage /pllow., the example sot by the speech - , and confine themselves to, matters of national concern. He paid a warm tribute to the memory of those who had # given theirs in the war, and commented with* satisfaction upon the splendid mime tlte New Zealand troops had now on the field of battle. He congratulated the National Government upon its work, and said lie believed that the experiment would have an effect for good upon the politics of the future. •He congratulated the country upon the manner in which it was passing through the war struggle, and alluded to the great increase made in the exports of the Dominion. Ho congratulated the Government upon the manner in which it had carried out the work of defence. The “goods had been delivered” in every instance. Mr G. W. Forbes (Hunmui) seconded the motion. He appreciated the manner in which the two political parties had worked together in the National interest. Several important measures had to ho passed, and ho argued that the compulsory system

should be a complete one. as the country was ready for it. He pointed out that compulsory service would involve hardship on some conscripted men, and the interests of such men must be protected. Ho also held that the military element should not be too strong on the Board of Control. On the question of finance, ho thought it was desirable, if possible, to raise some of the loan money required in the Dominion, and he believed that the country would accept in heroic mood any necessary taxation imposed to carry out the Premier’s promise of assistance, to the last man r*»id the last shilling. He suggested the constitution of a separate department to make jjrcparation for tiie thousands of men who would come back from the war.

Mr Forbes concluded by strongly urging that the National Government should receive the loyal support of the. members. V"

Mr A. Haggis (Waitepiata) lipped j that the Government worjl| find some | way out of preventing imfiqe: increase |of the cost *of living, .and • advocated, ■ that war profits, should ! Hq : anode to’ j bear it fair share of taxation. He I thought it was not necessary to raise 'a loan for public work until after the war. The debate was continued by Mr C. H. Poole (Auckland West), who strongly urged that the exploitation of the cost of living should bo stopped; I otherwise, trouble in commercial and industrial circles was to be feared. The Prime Minister then moved the adjftrnipont of the debate and the House rose) at It' U. 'O:U ’ i nil* .WEn i Hill m,i i ; \i, J i