The Grey River Argus FRIDAY, June 11, 1943. EARLY GENERAL ELECTIONS.

Grey River Argus, 11 June 1943, Page 4

The Grey River Argus FRIDAY, June 11, 1943. EARLY GENERAL ELECTIONS.

That- there is a fueling in some quarters, more particularly Opposition quarters, that New Zealand could at the present juncture do without the general elec- ; lions is undeniable. The reason , now being given for that opinion j is that the country ought not to | have its attention distracted from ( the war effort by civilian affairs, I and especially in the manner that distraction will be created by a battle on the political front. Underlying this persuasion, there is j obviously another persuasion, namely, that as far as the main immediate national objective is concerned, that of assisting to the utmost towards victory, the present Government is making about as good a job of it as any conceivable alternative government could make of it. Certainly, the National Party has consistently advocated a partial, but not a complete, change in the government; that is an administration of a non-party kind, in which the Opposition would share the responsibility; the idea apparently being that the Oppositoin cannot do as well in a critical capacity as it can do in a governmental one. The question, is not really what is best for the National Party, but what is best for the country and its Avar effort especially. When leading members of the Opposition were associated with the War Cabinet, the majority of them actually seized the first opportunity—in fact made for themselves an opportunity which surprised many of their own supporters as well as others —to pull out from their task. What they thought would be the upshot may have been decidedly different 'from what they now reckon the upshot to have been in actual fact. But they also must recognise one .very fundamental factor in the situation now existing. It is that nobody in any part of the world, can predict with the slightest degree of certainty ■when the Avar is going to end, even if' there are no end of people all over the work! I who feel morally certain that it j wiU end in victory for the cause, of freedom. After all it is being j *wa god for the defence of democ-, racy, and in recognising that the, electors, even in war time, arc entitled to their direct voice in the government of the country, the Government is simply acting up to the dictates of democracy. It is entitled to seek a renewal of its mandate, and when sanctioning one electoral postponement, the Government did so only upon the assurance that it had no intention of being party to anothei postponement. Incidentally, it has in the event noticeably advanced election day, by thiec months, in comparison with the lime of the year usually chosen. This undoubtedly’ will lessen considerably any dislocation , which the campaign might occasion. Instead of being five or six, election day is now only three months away and meantime there will, be no bye-election. The vast majority’ of the public will naturally' say. of course, (hat it would be a national blunder were New Zealand to change horses in the middle of such a stream as that which has been loosened by the floodgates of war. Even so, wnen a general election has this year been the Government’s own determination, the best time for it is sooner rather than later. The Government is in duty’ bound to give 'to the people such an account of ■its stewardship as that which going to the country’ really'' involves, and to ascertain in the traditional manner whether the country’ wishes it to be steward any longer. The consciousness that it has strained every nerve and sacrificed itself to’thc utmost alike in the war effort and in its civil administration is in itself a reasonably good motive for the Govcrn--1 ment to seek the judgment—and

the endorsement —of the nation for itself and its policy. The attitude of its critics does not. indeed disclose an envious spirit, and few people imagine for a moment that New Zealand could afford to change the control of its destiny to-day from the jhaiuls which have guided it during the grim trials of the war years, and preserved its well-being to the extent that it remains intact at present. Moreover, there are critical times, perhaps years, yet to be 'negotiated and the experience gained by the present administration must prove an invaluable help until the Avar is Avon, not to mention the peace. In short, the Government, as well as keeping its pledge to defend the people of New Zealand, is also keeping its 'pledge to bow to their judgment