THE WAR EFFORT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 August 1941, Page 4

THE WAR EFFORT

t debate in the House of Representa-■■■■■■■FAHing-Primp Minister had something to a National Government and the possibility of the general election. In brief, Mr Nash said that if he thought the formation of a National Government would extend the Dominion’s war effort, he would be in favour of that course. He thought, however, that the attitude of the Opposition made the formation of a National Government almost impossible. At the same time he urged the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Holland) to accept the Government’s invitation that he should join the AVar Cabinet. He said also that it might be possible to postpone the general election provided there was complete unity in the War Cabinet. As a whole, the observations of the Acting-Prime Minister on these questions perhaps betrayed an element of indecision, and oven of confusion, hi any case it is or ought to be a. commanding feature of the situation that irrespective of whatever difficulties our political parties find in settling or setting aside their differences, the people of the Dominion have every right to make their wishes and inclinations felt in this matter. .It does not. seem to be in the least in doubt that a. very large proportion of New Zealanders regard with weary impatience and distaste, and in many instances with decidedly stronger feelings, party bickering of the kind that has been continued during the present session of Parliament. Our politicians will consult national interests and desires, and some of them perhaps their own particular interests, if they seek to make an end of their domestic differences, at least for the duration of the war. They could not be better employed than in at least preparing the ground for effective political unity in the prosecution of the war before the return of the .Prime Minister (Air Fraser), which may be expected, according to Air Nash, possibly some time this month. The time in which to act is rather short'. Tt is so much, the more necessary that action should be taken -while time remains.