The Waikato Times. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1939 EMERGENCY LEGISLATION

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20909, 14 September 1939, Page 6

The Waikato Times. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 1939 EMERGENCY LEGISLATION

Though the acting-Prime Minister's statement to the House of.' Representatives after the week’s adjournment conveyed little information regarding the Government’s war policy, the promise was made that an explanation would be made of the financial proposals tomorrow, if possible. The Government is evidently waiting for further information from Britain before giving final approval to the plan. Tomorrow’s announcement will be of vital interest to the country, which is waiting anxiously to know what part New Zealand is to play in the war and how it is proposed to finance what has every appearance of being an extremely costly campaign. It may become a matter of choice between additional taxation and the diversion of public works funds to the purposes of the war.

The most important event of the first day of the resumed session was the introduction of a Bill giving complete power to the Government to control almost every phase of the nation’s activities. The taking of wide powers is necessary in such an emergency to safeguard the national interest, but a great deal will depend upon the manner in which the powers are administered. It would easily be possible for war-time laws to be made unnecessarily repressive, and it will require real statesmanship to ensure that the public retains the maximum of liberty consistent with national efficiency and safety and the general demands of the state of war. Mr Fraser’s assurance that every effort will be exerted in that direction will be welcomed. There was a belief in some quarters that during the recess the Government would agree to widen the basis of the 'Cabinet to include representatives of the Opposition, but Mr Fraser’s statement gave no indication that such a course was contemplated. Admittedly there are certain difficulties in the way, including the possibility of Cabinet divisions on political issues, resulting in delays and lack of unanimous effort. At the same time the country might place greater confidence in the decisions of the Cabinet if all sections of the community had their own direct representatives to speak for them. Further, there are capable and experienced men on the Opposition side of the House who are willing to give their advice and leadership to the country, and it is unfortunate that they are not to be given the opportunity to make the best use of their ability.

The Government’s decision not to further adjourn the session was undoubtedly right. Silence and secrecy at the head of the country’s affairs might lead to doubts and suspicions which would be undesirable at the present time. The public has learned to read the course of developments from the daily actions and statements of the political leaders in Parliament, and confidence is endangered by the greatest possible degree of frankness. In view of possible changes in financial policy the Government has adopted the Opposition’s suggestion that discussion of the Public Works Estimates should be delayed until the policy has been announced, although it is true that adoption of the estimates need not commit the Government to the expenditure of the large sums of money provided for.