THE WAR PARLIAMENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLV, Issue 4006, 12 August 1915, Page 4

THE WAR PARLIAMENT.

aridvat: of hon. w. d. s. MACDONALD. A N INTERESTING INTERVIEW. The Hon. W. D. S. AlaeDonald, Minister for 'Alines and -Agriculture in the new National Government, accompanied by his private secretary, Air K. G. Chamberlain, arrived from Wellington yesterday' morning on a brief visit to Gisborne. The Minister took up hi, quarters at. the Gisborne Hotel, and throughout the day received many congratulations on being again elevated to Cabinet. rank.

Seen, by a “Times” reporter, the f 1 on. Air .MacDonald said that after a grflat deal of correspondence, !>etaveen the leaders of the two parties in the House, with the approval of I licit- supporters, it was finally agreed that a National Alinistry, practically free-from party politics, would he in the best interests of the country. “In regard to the policy or future legislation.” said the Minister, "it has been mutually agreed by belli parties that no new legislation of a contentious nature will be introduced. The present Parliament is looked upon as a War Parliament-, to deal especially with national and defence matters. and the organising, ami sending away of rein forcemeats. ’ “From a national point of vie. !i< proceeded, “one of the big problems which will face they new Government will he the taxation proposals. I,(/regard to other legislation, noth mg new of any great importanve Ls foreshadowed.' No doubt the usual pn[v.sais will he outlined iii the Budget lor the coining year. buKhow far tin proposals can be given effect to v. :--- ol" icourse, largely depend on toe position of the money market."' iri regard to JJefenee matters, *bc Minister stated that the -sending v.vii.v of reinforcements and recruiting matters were going on fairlv satisfactor ilv. Jn connection with Irenthaui Uaunp. a grelit deal of irnproieim nt bad been made during the past six weeks, and further improvementwould he carried on under _oxper» supervision and advice. Hospital mrangeinents were being carried out at present in bniloings belonging to t--o Wellington Racing Club, and the various buildings had adapted themselves admirably for hospital requirements. “I personally visited the hospital and earn)) on Sunday last, ’ said Air MacDonald, “and so far as hospital treatment is concerned everything appeared to be verv satisfactory indeed. Thev have a large staff of medical men and nurses, who were all wor:-:-ing hard and- who appeared to be K‘-eii-Iv Interested m doigg tneii nest i* - 1 the patients under their charge. The. Hon. Air AlaeDonald will nave U busv time in' the new Alinistry. as Ids portfolios include Agriculture. ! AjPir-s Ft ate Eire and Accident fn*uri ynec. Public Buildings and Donum.-. 1 and the legislative Department, i Th e Hfin. Air AlaeDonald. who n-G j for his home at Paha by the aitcr- ! noon train yesterday returns to W eli lington on -.‘runday night. During ini stay He will be pleased to deal wiiii 1 any local matter- in connection viLi ; Departments.