THE NATIONAL CABINET.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 280, 20 August 1915, Page 4

THE NATIONAL CABINET.

SIA i EMENTS IN PARLIAMENT,

WELLINGTON, August 19 In the House this evening, Mr Massey made a brief statement referring to the National Cabinet. H. e said that after a unmoor of coiuerencesj xt \ vai) decided that party warfare shouffi be suspended, and it had been resi.vad that party bickering and wrangling should cease. He was sure that the country would appreciate the patriotism and sacrifice made. Th e formation of a National Government did not indicate that party principles would disappear, but that members of the New Zealand Parliament were Imperialists first and party politicians afterwards.

Sir Joseph Ward said he hoped the National Government would do good work during the period of the war. He recognised that men on both sides had sunk their aspiraitons in order to assist th eoGvernment in time of trouble. H e expressed his appreciation of the way Mr Rhodes had carried out his duties. He (Sir Joseph Ward) was indebted to his party for the support given to the proposal. Some had foregone reasonable ambitions in the desir e to help th e movement. Both leaders had a very difficult position to fill, and he wished to point out that neither of the parties was making any sacrifice of political principles. Mr Wi'lford wished the National Cabinet well. He said it was a grand thing that the efforts of members werenow diverted from the serving of party to the serving of the State. Mr Rhodes thanked the leaders for their kindly references to him in his retirement. He had forwarded his resignation as a matter of duty to the country in a time of trial.