QUESTION OF PRINCIPLE

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 135, 4 March 1941, Page 9

QUESTION OF PRINCIPLE

Ou the issue of whether elections, both local body and Paisliametnary, should be held during the war, Wellington opinion appears to be divided. Most views expressed stress the need for unity of action and the avoidance of circumstances that might cause disruption in the war effort. The opinio a is also held by some that the issues involved in postponing local body and Parliamentary elections are not comparable. . , ... _ “The nation is confronted with a position that leaves absolutely no room for wrangling over elections and politics,’’ said Mr. R. H. Nimmo, president of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce yesterday. “The war is paramount and it is time that New Zealand quit dual thinking. The task is too great to permit of any division of effort on the part of anyone, and particularly of the efforts of the country’s leaders. Obviously, should the elections proceed these men cannot throw tfeir whole energy into the vital work of leadership in national and public affairs. “I entirely concur with the views expressed by Mr. Mulhollond, president of the Farmers’ Union, that postponement is necessary. I personally have great confidence in the ability and leadership of the Prime Minister and of several members of tae Cabn *- b ? there is not a shadow of doubt that the whole position would be materia.ly strengthened and our war effort improved out of sight were the best brains of all sections of the House harnessed as one war team, on the basis of truly co-ordinated capacity instead of that ot parties in‘opposition. Any move that will help to unify the nation and create confidence throughout all sections _of the community far transcends any importance that party politics may possess.”