The Waikato Times SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1339 REQUEST FOR PARLIAMENTARY SESSION

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20728, 11 February 1939, Page 6

The Waikato Times SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1339 REQUEST FOR PARLIAMENTARY SESSION

people expected Mr Savage to accede to the request ot the Leader of the Opposition that he call a session of Parliament \° r ISCUSS emergency that has arisen, ’’ the request will have a ehmte value m that it will act as a warning that the representatives of almost half of the people want greater caution in the Government policy. Even in party government the State owes a duty to so large a section of the community and must have some respect, for its views. It must he remembered that the parliamentary majority is out of proportion to the Labour majority in the electorate.

The most cogent argument used by the Opposition in its demand or )e summoning of Parliament i.s that the Government is pursuing a policy important portions of which were not placed before the electors at the general elections. For instance, the possibility of the introduction of control of overseas trade and exchange was scouted by Labour speakers at the hustings when the first rumours of such control gained currency. Yet, very soon after the elections the most complete system of control was imposed without warning. v , r ‘ sa td the action was taken to meet a sudden emergency, but Mr Savage made matters worse by declaring that such control was part of the permanent policy, and if his wishes were met it would long remain a part of New Zealand’s economic system.

Another strong argument nsed by the Opposition is that national defence calls for prompt action. It is evident that unless pressure is brought to bear on the Government the development of the defence forces will be too slow to have any effect in the present world situation. It may be contended that New Zealand is so unimportant in international affairs that tile largest army it c.onld raise would make no difference, but that does not affect the principle. In any case New Zealand is capable of fielding a not inconsiderable army of 100,000 men. The Opposition further contends that the “Government’s refusal to disclose during the general election alarming facts which have since been made public constitutes a grave betrayal, of public confidence.”

No serious challenge to the Government’s majority would be likely to arise were a session called, but at least the Opposition's action will cause the public to think, and will bring political tactics into the limelight. It might have been shrewd political strategy to remain silent during the election regarding certain of the Government’s intentions, but the country’s welfare should be paramount to any considerations of party political advantages. No doubt the present “emergency” is being exaggerated, but there will be wide support for the Opposition’s contention that the situation should not be allowed to “drift” too far.