NO ELECTION DECISION YET

Evening Star, Issue 24010, 8 October 1941, Page 6

NO ELECTION DECISION YET

LOBBY OPINION VEERS AGAIN DIVISIONS IN BOTH PARTIES (Special.) WELLINGTON, Oct. 8. A veil of mystery cloaks the election issue at the present time. At the end of last week, when it was known that the Prime Minister (Mr Fraser) and the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Hoilaud) had met and had had a talk, there appeared to be indications of the possibility of an extension of the life of the present Parliament and avoidance in this way of a General Election, at least before the end of the present year. Since then both parties have held caucus meetings, the Government one extending into two sittings yesterday. Although no official pronouncement has been made by the respective leaders that gives any semblance of a guide as to the possible outcome of the whole situation, the atmosphere in the lobbies has undergone some change since Saturday, and there has been a swing back favouring an election. The whole position, from what can be gathered, is somewhat unique in ‘ that there would appear to be a division of opinion among the members of both parties on the question of whether an election should be held this year. One thing that does seem to stand out clearly is that, in view of the fact that the session is confidently expected to conclude on Friday, an announcement, if it is to be made from the floor of the House, cannot now be long delayed. It is generally considered likely that the air may be cleared by a statement to-morrow.