SIGNS AND PORTENTS

Evening Star, Issue 19844, 18 April 1928, Page 5

SIGNS AND PORTENTS

EARLY ELECTION RUMOURED CAMPAIGN FOB PARTY FUNDS (.Special to the ‘ Stae.’] CHRISTCHURCH, April 17. Expectations that the General Election will take place in October of this year, instead of in November, are responsible for a livening up of interest in the political situation. Jn assuming that the election will be held at an earlier date than usual politicians have nothing definite to go upon, but as stated by Mr Howard, M.R., there arc signs and portents which give rise to the assumption. ... When asked his opinion on tho matter to-day, Mr Sullivan, M.P., said that everywhere he went he found a general feeling that tho election would take place earlier than usual, although it was difficult to discover anything on which to base that assumption.. in any case, lie added, the Labour .Party was making its preparations, and would not be caught napping. Mr H. G. Livingstone, secretary of the North Canterbury executive of tho Reform Party, declared to-day that there was absolutely nothing in tho talk of an early election. As far as the Reform Party was concerned, he said, an carl}’ election was not anticipated. In the meantime, however, tho political parties are not letting the grass grow under their feet, and election preparations arc actively in hand. At tho moment tho main avenue of activity is directed towards tho raising ol election funds. Tho Rclorm Party and the United Party are understood to be plentifully supplied with money lor contesting scats, but (says to-night’s ‘Star’) “tho Labour Party is not so fortunately situated. Not only is the parly, so far as Canterbury is concerned, without funds, but it has certain liabilities to wipe out. Au_ active campaign for the raising ol a fighting fund has just been started, Mr Frank Livingstone, ex-M.P. for Waimarino, having been engaged by the North Canterbury Labour Representation Committee for this purpose.”