Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5th., 1938. EARLIER POLLINGS.

Greymouth Evening Star, 5 September 1938, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5th., 1938. EARLIER POLLINGS.

J7VIDENCE is not wanting lliat llio goni’i'al (‘lections will he

held earlier than was genera I ly expected. The popular tip was that the pollings would take place in November, but, apparently the* Ministers now think that the earlier the appeal the better. Mr. Savage has hinted that the (‘lections will not be later than Ihe first week in November. At Petone, last Friday, Hon. W. Nash

[expressed the opinion that the pollings would be held during October. Tie, usually, speaks as with authority, and it. would be well for Nationalist Party organ-

isers to be read}’ for the contest, whenever it is held. One appeal by Mr. Nash will be generally supported, namely, that all persons over the age of 21 years and qualified to vote, should be sure that lheir names are placed on the rod and not to confuse the municipal and Parliamentarv rolls.

The campaign promises to be one of the most keenly fought in the Dominion’s history, but there is no reason for making it a “dirty” election. New Zealanders usually show eommonsense in the conduct of political struggles, agreeing to disagree without bitterness. Each side is entitled io score all the points of debate that are possible, and a little humour will help all to preserve a sense of proportion. Personalities and disorder at public meetings should be avoided, and. whatever the electors’ decision, it should be accepted with good grace by winners and losers. Each side professes its confidence of obtaining victory, but that was to be expected. The prophets are busy, and whereas some predict a Labour rout, quite the opposite is claimed by others. It is to be hoped that the polling will be really representative. At the pollings three years ago, about 92 per cent, of those on the roll voted, which fulfilling of a national duty was worthy of commendation.

The issues in this campaign are clearer-cut than usual, the chief being whether State control, and Socialism are to be encouraged or otherwise, and whether the Social Security Bill proposals should be enforced. 'lf Labour wins, Mr. Savage and his supporters will be entitled to claim that a mandate has been given to them to go ahead. There is every reason to predict that the “mandate” will be widely interpreted. The electors have no excuse, to-day, for not realising what Labour admin-

istration means. Three years ago, Labour “was given a chance to show what it could do.” The new Government met with general goodwill, and there was every disposition to co-operate with Ministers. It is very doubtful if much of that goodwill exists to-day, except in purely Labour ranks. In its place, is resentment against heavy taxation imposed. Broken promises regarding removal of pre-election taxation, have created distrust of Labour, and the belief is widespread that the Government has pandered too much to the less responsible classes of Ihe community. ' The increase in the cost of living is another point against Labour, and generally, it is difficult to believe that the Government is really confident of success at the polling booths.