DELAYING THE ELECTION.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 198, 23 August 1928, Page 9

DELAYING THE ELECTION.

REFORM PARTY'S POLICY.

WAITING TO "TURN THE CORNER."

(By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.!

WELLINGTON, Wednesday.

That the Reform Government was afraid to have the general election too soon was the suggestion made in the House of Representatives this afternoon by Mr. J. McCombs (Lyttelton). They were waiting for the country to "turn the corner" —in the favourite phrase of the Prime Minister.

Mr. McCombs suggested that the business of Parliament was being unduly protracted because the Government wanted to delay the general election and give the country a chance to get round the corner. The Government had great hopes that the corner would be achieved very soon. "We know that had they gone to the country six months ago, it would have been a case of 'outski,'" asserted Mr. McCombs, amid much laughter. Even now public opinion is against them. Reform is afraid that it might not alter unless we turn the corner. The election must be held before a certain date and the Government is hoping that conditions will be more favourable at that time. . Minister: The corner is just coming up the straight! PREMIER INVITES A GUESS. IF THE GOVERNMENT COMES BACK. (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Wednesday. "How do you reckon the figures will work out?" genially inquired the Prime Minister when Mr. Parry, from the Labour benches of the House, to-night, talked about election prospects. "If the Government comes back," said Mr. Parry, "it will have a very small majority." Mr. Coates: Is there an "if" about it? (Laughter.) Mr. Howard (Christchurch South): We expect to have a majority of four. Mr. Coates: That is with the United party, too? Mr. Parry: No, but the Prime Minister will expect to hear something more about the bait he threw out the other night. This Government has so big a majority it has become irresponsible. Mr. Coates: The hon. gentlemen opposite have done very good work; they should continue just where they are. Mr. Parry: The Prime Minister a very good candidate against him. Mr. Coates: He won't be in the hunt. (Laughter.)