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Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 May 1940, Page 5

“I seek no party political advantage from it. Confusion today because of any partisan leadership, or partisan thinking and acting would be in my opinion absolutely inexcusable. If democracy cannot handle itself in this matter, it is national tragedy. “People of all shades of political opinion in New Zealand will support. I am sure, the view I have expressed in making the Opposition’s offer, and realise the sincerity by which it is backed. I consider that I was not mistaken in representing to the Prime Minsiter that a grave uneasiness throughout the country, entirely unrelated to party politics, would not be allayed, but magnified by drastic action under party government direction at this moment. It is a moment of dire necessity. “To say that New Zealand can be satisfied by a national emergency administration of such a drastic nature without a national government is in my opinion the grossest form of misjudgment and folly. This is an hour for a lead from selfless statesmen, and not an hour for playing at politics. “Maximum effort ■ demands unification of control in the country’s deliberations,” Mr Hamilton said. “In these dark days we must aim at national unity to get that maximum effort from a united and determined people inspired by confidence in the unity and ability of its leaders. I make no apology for my action. I would have been failing in my duty to my country if I had not pointed this out to the Prime Minister and made my offer. The risk of personal rebuke for party self-seeking could not deter me. The basis of my offer was an ideal. I am sure it is the ideal in the hearts of New Zealanders today.”