EMERGENCY ARISEN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 34, 10 February 1939, Page 8

EMERGENCY ARISEN

NATIONAL PARTY VIEW DECISION AT CAUCUS ( Per Press Association.] WELLINGTON, Feb. 9. It was considered at the caucus of ithe Opposition Party held to-day that the situation was so grave that the [Government should be asked to call Parliament together in order to dis--1 cuss the emergency that had arisen land to decide the best means of relieving the situation. A full agenda was covered embracing discussions on all leading political questions with particular reference to the financial crisis and the attendant problems, such as the reduction of trade with England and [other countries, the disappearance oi the London funds and other reserves (and the decision of the Government to withhold the free doctors’ service, 'hospital benefits, free maternity serIvice and free'medicines. I Reports concerning the organisation of the party in various elec- : torat.es indicated an ever-increasing [interest in the present political 1 situation. LETTER TO PRIME MINISTER [ Per Press Association. | WELLINGTON, Feb. 9. In a letter to Hon. M. T. Savage communicating the Opposition caucus motion carried to-day, Hon. Adam Hamilton writes: “I have to convey to you a decision arrived at by the Parliamentary members of the Nr>onal Party at a caucus meeting held in Wellington to-day. The decision was as follows: “That in view of the state ‘ of emergency now existing in the country’s affairs this caucus of His Majesty's loyal Opposition requests that, the Government immediately call Parliament together to give the people's elected representatives their traditional right, to consider I the present financial and economic | crisis and of applying lawful remedies thereto and of considering such other matters of urgent national importance, as for example the national defence of New Zealand. That the Government’s refusal to disclose to the people during the general election campaign alarming facts which have since been made public constitutes a grave betrayal of public confidence.” “In view of the importance and urgency of the present situation members of the Opposition hold themselves in readiness to assemble i in Parliament at short notice so that no time may be lost in dealing i with these questions before the situation drifts any further. I trust i that you will give favourable' con- : sideration to this request and I 1 shall be pleased to receive an early | reply.”