NEW ZEALAND’S PART

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20908, 13 September 1939, Page 11

NEW ZEALAND’S PART

WAR OBLIGATIONS ANNOUNCEMENT ON FRIDAY OPPOSITION SEEKS INFORMATION (By Telegraph.—Special to TLmes) WELLINGTON, Tuesday The extent of New Zealand's war obligations to Britain and the Government's proposals for financing whatever contribution is decided on arc likely to be made known on Friday, according to a statement made in the House of Representatives today by the acting-Prime Minister, the Hon. P. I Fraser. “Among the questions that have been considered during the short recess of the past week is that of financing whatever war enterprise or assistance to the British Commonwealth New Zealand will undertake,” Mr Fraser said. “The Government is not in a positon to bring down its proposals at the moment, but I hope and intend to do so on Friday. By that time also the Government will be in a position, unless something unforeseen happens, to inform the House and the country of its obligations to the United Kingdom in the conduct of the war.” In the meantime, Mr Fraser added, there were a good many matters, some I of minor importance but others of an essential character, that the House could deal with. “I do not promise, and could not do so, that the important measures the Government will bring down will not be controversial, (because there are differences of opinion on matters of finance that are very important, and I do not expect the members of the Opposition to stifle their criticism. They would not be doing their duty to the country if they did so. Still this is not a time for protracted controversy and in the case of non-essential measures arrangements can he made to expedite their passing.” Fuller statement Expected j “I think members of the Opposition are within their rights in expecting the Leader of the House to have made a fuller and more complete statement than he did,” said Mr Hamilton. “The Government has had a week’s respite Ij plan a course of action for the con- . duct and financing ol' the war as far as New Zealand is concerned. We agreed to that adjournment and have offered our fullest co-operation, but we want to see that co-operation fully reciprocated. | “The Oppositon can perhaps be informed a little more about the Government's proposals,” Mr Hamilton continued. “We are only the Opposition, but we represent a large section of electors in this country and want to be able to speak with full responsibility for them. The country is calling out today for a lead and this can be done by the Government announcing its course of action. Other countries liave moved into line." Mr Fraser: We haue been the quickest. “There is uneasiness in the country because of the lack of information as to the Government's line of action,” | said Mr Hamilton. * Today the country is calling out for action.” The Opposition had no objection to | a further adjournment, Mr Hamilton j said. The Government was entitled to time to frame its proposals. He was j glad that Mr Fraser had agreed to postpone consideration of the Public Works Estimates. The Opposition felt ' that the country was not in the mood | for a discussion on transport legis- ! lation and on hire purchase agreements until the major legislation was out of the way. Adjournment Would Hinder Mr Fraser said he would be very pleased to take Mr Hamilton, the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes (Hurunui) and the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates (Kaipara) into full confidence. Actually, as far I i as communications with the United I ! Kingdom Government were concerned, they had already been taken into complete confidence. Mr Fraser added: I “I cam assure the honourable gentleman that we will not be helped at the moment, rather would we be hindered, if the House adjourned. The best way to help to steady people’s nerves is for Parliament to show an example by getting on with its job.”