THE ELECTION

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 219, 11 June 1943, Page 4

THE ELECTION

To Be Held In September

BY-ELECTIONS OFF

An announcement that the general election would be held in September was made in the House of Representatives last night by the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, following the introduction of the By-Elections Postponement Bill. The Bill, which postpones the holding of by-elections between now and the general election, was read a first time. It states that no writ shall be issued for a by-election to fill any vacancy now existing in the House or any other vacancy that may now arise before the general election. The Bill also revokes the writ issued on May 19 for the election of a member of Parliament for Northern Maori as well as all nominations received and notices Issued in respect of that election. The measure is to continue in force till September 30. The Prime Minister said that three byelections were pending and a general election was due to take place. He thought there would be general agreement that it would be a- waste of time, effort and money, and be particularly misplaced at the present time, to fight n miniature general election before the main election. Under the Bill the by-elections pending in Northern Maori, Pahiatua and Kiupara and any other by-elections which might occur would lie postponed. Sir. Lee (Democratic Labour, Grey Lynn) asked what would be the position should unforeseen circumstances arise. The Prime Minister said the Bill fixed a date before which the general election must be held, namely, September 30. In the event of any contingency holding up the election the by-elections would have to go on, or the House called together again to reconsider the position. “Can you indicate the month when the election will lie held?” asked the Leader of the Opposition. Mr. Holland. Mr. Fraser said' it was intended that it should lie held in (September. He expressed his regrets to the candidates in the Northern Maori electorate. The alternatives were to hold all three by-elec-tions or to stop all three of them. Tne present course was fair to everyone. He thought, the House would agree the measure was well advised.