NATIONAL WAR EFFORT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 May 1940, Page 9

NATIONAL WAR EFFORT

PRIME MINISTER REPLIES TO MR HAMILTON

PRACTICABLE SUGGESTIONS INVITED. APPRECIATION OF HELP RECEIVED.

(By Telegraph—Press Association., WELLINGTON. This Day.

“The Government is willing to adopt any practicable suggestions for the improvement of our war effort, and there is no need whatever to wait for the assembly of Parliament for these to be made,” said the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, when referring yesterday to the statement by the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Hamilton, expressing his dissatisfaction with the manner in which the Government was prosecuting New Zealand’s war effort. The Prime Minister said the Government fully appreciated the help and assistance it had received from Mr Hamilton and other members of the Opposition.

“Mr Hamilton appears to be anxious —unnecessarily so, I think —that the support given by the National Party to the Government should not be misinterpreted,” said the Prime Minister. “I would like to repeat in all sincerity that the Government does appreciate the assistance it has received, and at no time has it ever assumed that this would involve blind support or allegiance. Moreover, the Government never expected immunity from criticism of its war or administrative activities. On the contrary, it has welcomed constructive criticism and will continue to do so. At the same time, criticism of a carping or hampering nature, without foundation, will be replied to if such criticism seems worthy of notice.

CRITICISM WELCOMED. “I welcome Mr Hamilton's statement that slackness and faults in administration will be criticised. Indeed, any other attitude would be dereliction of duty. Any exposure of slackness ana faults from any quarter will be investigated, and if the charges can be established I can promise prompt and effective remedies. “It is not to be assumed that our growing war organisation, covering a great part of the industrial and economic life of the country, together with our Naval, Army and Air Force activities, could possibly be entirely free from mistakes. Any mistakes so far made have been of a minor nature, and have in fact received prompt attention. I repeat that all deficiencies brought to the notice of the Government will be promptly dealt with. "1 question if ever a Government grappled more promptly and more efficiently with the intricate problems involved in the rapid building up of a war organisation commensurate with the country’s situation and resources. As Mr Hamilton knows, when Parliament assembles full and ample opportunity will be afforded all members for the widest discussion and criticism, both of general policy and of details, and also for the frankest expression of opinion. Full reports of the many ana varied war activities will be .presented to Parliament at the earliest possible moment.

“1 would point out that if Mr Hamilton, either individually or along with his senior colleagues, who were consulted at the outbreak of war. wishes to meet me and the Ministers directly concerned with the war activities ai any time (except during the next weekend when the Labour Party caucus will be meeting), I shall be pleased to discuss any and every aspect of lhe war situation. This offer has in effect been made on two previous occasions, and 1 repeat again that I will be only too happy to make the necessary arrangements if Mr Hamilton so desires.

DATE OF THE SESSION. “As to the calling of Parliament, the Government still considers the dateproposed quite suitable. It should be remembered that the death oi the Prime Minister and the formation of i; new Government has necessarily caused some delay, but throughout the period there has been no failure on rhe part of the Government to cope with the various problems confronting the country. "I would point out also that here m New Zealand we made comprehensive preparation beforehand, and as soon as war broke out passed the necessary legislation. Everyone will agree tnat it is better to go ahead and cope with pressing problems rather than to talk about them. Finally, I would repeat what I said last month, that if any urgent situation arising out -of the war developed before the date already fixed, Parliament will be convened immediately.”