ELECTIONS THIS YEAR

Grey River Argus, 26 February 1943, Page 4

ELECTIONS THIS YEAR

HOUSE PASSES MOTION No Reason for Complacency 1 MAORI MEMBER AGAINST “LOCAL WAR” P.A. WELLINGTON, Feb. 25. There was only one dissentient voice when the motion to hold a general election this year was passed by the House to-day. The opponent of the proposal was Sir Apirana Ngata (Nat., Eastern Maori). In moving the motion, which he had introduced the previous afternoon, the Prime Minister said that the Government had taken the earliest opportunity of indicating its opinion on the election question, and he anticipated that it would be unanimously approved by the House, it had been clearly indicated, when the Prolongation of Parliament Bill was under discussion last year, that it the situation improved, the Government was not going to shelter behind the Act he said. However, he wished to strike a warning note to the country, and that was that it would be fatal to the war effort and to future war activities if this motion were to be construed as a reason for complacency, or for letting up and thinking that everything was all right. There was a grim, hard struggle ahead. We were thankful for the progress made, but even our own shores were not immune from the attentions of the enemy. When we did see our way clear some distance ahead, however, then it was our duty to act on the democratic principle for which we were fighting, and to consult the people of the Dominion.

The leader of the Opposition, Mr S. G. Holland, said that everyone would agree this was not the time for complacency. It did, however, give a reassurance that progress of the war in our favour was very definite and positive. The question of holding the election was one for the Government, and everyone would accept its decision. He thought, however, that an indication should be given of the month in which the elections would be held.

Mr Holland made a plea for equality in the treatment, of all parties in the availability of petrol, paper and radio facilities. He said he considered that appointments to the Legislative Council should be postponed until after the election. The Minister of Munitions, Hon. D. G. Sullivan, denied that there had been any inequality of treatment in regard to paper and petrol supplies. He personally was not in charge of broadcasting, but he would suggest that it might be that the Minister of Broadcasting might have been guided by the principles of merit.

Mr J. A. Lee said that he did not think anyone would minimise the fact that it was going to be a tough year. However, he thought that there was something to be said for fixing an approximate date for the election. He atso advocated the granting of leave to any members of the forces wishing to contest seats, and consideration being given to granting votes for eighteen-year-old persons in uniform. He also thought that members of the House should have an opportunity of looking at political news sent overseas for the benefit o'f the forces.

Sir A. P. Ngata said that he was one of those who thought that we should not have a local war while there was a bigger war overseas. The best had to be done for New Zealand in this war, and he felt that, if there were a political fight, all that work would be undone.

When the vote on the motion, was decided on the voices, Sir A. Ngata dissented. Mr F. M. Schramm (Govt., Auckland East) said that he did not agree with Sir A. Ngata’s opinion. Some people said that it was unthinkable that there should be an election in wartime, but it would be more unthinkable for a Government in power without, a mandate from the people. Mr Fraser, in his reply, also referred to Sir A. Ngata’s opinion. The War Administration had failed, said Mr Fraser, and when that happened, it was clear to all that no Government elected for three years could go on in fairness to the people or in self-respect, unless it had an overwhelming majority in the House and tth e country. Dealing with the suggestion of votes being granted 18-year-olds, he said that the matter would have to be closely and critically examined. At the moment, it would only affect men in the Air Force, for the men in the Army were not sent on active service under the age of 21 years. The date for the election could not be decided for the moment, he said. A good deal would depend on how matters went and when the Financial Statement could be brought before th e House. He could give an assurance (that the election would not be held while Parliament delegates to London were absent. Mr Fraser said there was a suggestion that he should, psk members of the Legislative Council to take appointment for one year. This was preposterous. Whatever appointments were made would be made for the usual term. The motion was carried.