THE NEW BRIGADE.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 14 July 1917, Page 2

THE NEW BRIGADE.

A LABOUR AMENDMENT. PROTEST AGAINST WEAKENED RESERVES. WELLINGTON, July 11. The Address-in-Reply debate was resumed to-night by Mr. MeCombs, who. fulminated against the Government respecting the method of finance and the system of raising men by compulsion for war purposes. After comparing New Zealand's contribution in ,men with what had been done in some other parts of the Empire. Mr. McCoombs exclaimed: "The Government, or the Defence Department, or somebody has gone mad over this question of our reinforcements, while the Press of the country :is in the conspiracy to hide the real facts of the position." The member proceeded to back up his declaration by moving an amendment to the Address in the shape of a lengthily-worded suffix to the effect that the House was of opinion that the time had arrived when New Zealand's part in the war should be carefully reviewed and that the Defence Minister be instructed that troops authorised and raided for reinforcement purposes be used for such purpose. The amendment proceeded to condemn the use of accumulated reinforcement reserves at Home. Mr. Walker seconded the amendment which was, greeted with cries of ' 'Noconfidence motion.'-'

Sir Joseph Ward suggested that the Addrcss-in-Reply debate go on as if the amendment had not been moved; then, when the debate was completed, it could be put to division. "I would like to ask the mover,'' added Sir Joseph Ward, "if he has consulted'his own .party." (Laughter.) Mr. McCoombs: It is not necessary to reply to questions that hardly concern this House.

Mr. Hindmarsh, the next speaker, congratulated Mr. McCoombs on his speech, which he characterised as manly, and quite refreshing after the slush talked by most members. The House was a collection of elderly gentlemen, quite comfortable, making rib sacrifices thinking only of property and war profit. The member also vigoriously criticised the Defence Minister for what he declared to be his habit of burking redress for ill-used returned soldiers in his zest to protect officers of his Department. He contended that men of Second Division would be as ready to go to the front as men of the first if they were sure their wives and children would be properly provided for. Mr Payne, who followed, said lie would like to know how the Government intended to treat the amendment. Did they regard it as a no-confidence motion? "Because if so," he remarked, "the member for Lyttelton will require, more time to make up his Cabinet." (Hearty laughter.) Sir Joseph Ward: I suggest we go to division on it when the debate ends. Mr. Payne went on to attack the last man and last shilling policy, declaring that it was right and well for New Zealand to do its fair share, but wrong to bleed the country of its entire manhood. The .speaker criticised the Government's measures for producing efficiency, which he declared was in reality being sapped rather than increased, and declared that the excess profits tax was in many ways unfairly heavy on the small struggling men> The debate continued till 10.45, when Mr. Field (Nelson) moved an adjournment.