A NOVEMBER ELECTION?

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 245, 16 October 1935, Page 6

A NOVEMBER ELECTION?

It is not easy to understand, much less excuse, the Government's late announcement of the election date. With the end of the session near, and no exceptional rush of business likely to detain Parliament much beyond next week, there can be no reason for keeping candidates and the country any longer in doubt. A November election seems certain, and the date most generally mentioned is the 27th, but as late as last night the Prime Minister refused to make a definite statement. An earlier date is desirable, but, as members in the more scattered electorates should be allowed a month for campaigning, an election before November 27 might give an unfair advantage to opponents. Doubtless this aspect has been impressed upon the Government by its supporters, but has the Government taken account of the greater body of opinion that of electors and of non-Government members in the House? In a contest where so many candidates are offering, and the merits of J opposing policies are by no means easy to j assess, the electors need consideration.

Nor is the question merely one of electioneering and voting. An election campaign always means more or less disturbance to business, and this becomes more serious as Christmas approaches. Therefore, the shopping habits of the people must be borne in mind. There is also the possibility, not to be • overlooked, of an indeterminate result, in which case it may be desirable to call Parliament together in December to define the Government's position. Sessions like this, sandwiched in between an election and Christmas, are unusual; but they are not unknown. Their necessity depends entirely upon the result of the poll, and therefore cannot be foreseen, but it would be wise at this stage to provide for the contingency by allowing at least three clear weeks, and if possible four, between the poll and the holiday period.