DATE OF ELECTION.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 187, 9 August 1922, Page 7

DATE OF ELECTION.

EFFECT ON TRADE. FOR CHRISTMAS SEASON. PROTESTS TO PRIME MINISTER. ■ Following the example of Christchurch traders, who have taken the matter up in real earnest, Auckland business men have protested to the Prime Minister again-t the proposal to hold the general election early in December, on the grounds of general inconvenience, and consequent disturbing effect on business for the Christmas season. The unanimous opinion was expressed to a "Star" reporter this morning by the representatives of both large and 6_nall retail houses, that the date for polling should be fixed towards the end of November, and thus leave December clear to deal with the Christmas trade. One of the largest traders in the city remarked that to ho_l tbe elections in December would be disastrous' to the small traders, and generally would he severely felt by all the retail houses. "It has been a hard year for all of us. We have all had a hard row to hoe," he said, "and this refers more particularly of course to the small man. He has had a very hard time. It would be disastrous to him to jeopardise the trade of - the best business month of the year by a fortnight. All sections of the retail trade in Auckland are unanimous in the opinion that no good purpose can be served by holding the elections in December. In fact they are of opinion that it would be attended with considerable financial loss in trading circles." Tlie smaller tradespeople were loud in their complaint against the proposal, stating that the effect on their business would undoubtedly be serious. December was the best month of the year for them. For a week or so, both before and after polling day, the public were unsettled. It was the usual custom to induce customers to do their Christmas shopping as early as possible, and not leave it until just before the holidays. At a meeting of the Auckland Retailers' 'Association it was resolved to forward the following telegram to the Prime Minister: "This meeting respectfully urges the Government that it is desirable that the next general election should take place if possible not later than the middle of November, owing to the dislocation of business and inconvenience to shopkeepers when the election is held near tbe holiday season." . In the course of a reply to Mr. S. E. Wright (the secretary), Mr. Massey stated that he had noted the representations contained in the resolution, and would be glad for them to be taken into consideration when the question of deciding the date of the general election came up for decision. A further telegram, dispatched yesterday by the Auckland Drapers' Association, urged that the general election should not be held later than the end of November, thus leaving December free for Christmas shopping. No reply has yet been received from the Prime Minister in connection with this request. The Auckland Chamber of Commerce telegraphed Mr. Massey yesterday requesting that the election should be held as early as possible __ November. Commenting on the matter this morning, the president (Hon. G. Fowlds) said that it lad always been disturbing to the retail trade for a fortnight before an election ' and for about a week after. He could .not possibly see any reason why the election should "not take place in November, 'particularly in a time like this,'"when there was no good reason for tie disturbance of business. It would not be in the best interests of the country to hold the elections in December. SOUTHERN MAORI SEAT. (By Telegrapb.—Press Association.) CTHRIST-'HURCH, Tuesday. Mr. Tuiti McDonald, farmer and native agent, is announced as a candidate to contest the Southern Maori seat, against the sitting member, Mr. H. W. Uru.