NEW ZEALAND UNITY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 August 1939, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND UNITY

IN PRESENT TIME OF CRISIS

ASSURANCES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. ACTING-PREMIER & LEADER OF OPPOSITION. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON. This Day. The importance of unity in New Zealand, to show that the Dominion stood side by side with the other members of the British Commonwealth of Nations in the present, time of crisis, was emphasised by the Acting-Prime Minister. Mr Fraser, in a brief statement made when the House of Representatives resumed after the dinner adjournment last night. Mr Fraser spoke in reply to a statement made by the Leader of the Opposition. Mr Hamilton. Members and the occupants tif the galleries heard both statements in an impressive silence. "In view ol' the alarming situation that has arisen in Europe and the disquieting news received late this afternoon and published in the Press, the Opposition wishes to assure the Government of its wholehearted support in all and every action deemed necessary to meet the crisis that has arisen," Mr Hamilton said. "The Opposition recognises that national unity is allessential in such a crisis and assures the Government of its unanimous backing.” “I wish to thank the Leader of the Opposition and the Opposition members for their offer of assistance at a period which might possibly develop into a most critical time for the people of this country and the British Commonwealth of Nations.” Mr Fraser said. "It is essential at this moment, not only that members of this House, but that everybody in the Dominion should speak with united voice and show that the country stands side by side and shoulder to shoulder with the other British nations. "We cannot but sympathise with the United Kingdom in its present position and with all other nations whose rights and liberties may be threatened at this moment,' ’Mr Fraser continued. “We devoutly pray that there will be no further development and that the counsels of peace will prevail, but if the hour comes here it will find New Zealand united and solid.”