ELECTIONS TO BE HELD.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume IV, Issue 239, 23 September 1914, Page 3

ELECTIONS TO BE HELD.

MR. MASSEY’S STATEMENT. ! per press association.] Wellington, Sept. 22. In the House of Representatives, the Premier said the matter of the elections had been the subject of a conference between himself and the i Leader of the Opposition, and afterwards between them and some of the leading members of their parties. They had not been able to arrive at a decision that was unanimous because the matter was so difficult. One of the greatest difficulties was that there was no precedent for their postponing the elections. From a democratic point of view the position was that every three years the, people should have the right to elect their representatives in Parliament, and in his opinion no self respecting Goverrnent could retain office for a longer period than the term for which Parliament was elected. He had taken the opinion of those in the best position to judge of affairs in Europe during the next few months, and there was a general feeling that during winter it would be impossible to carry on hostilities, so that when the elections are proceeding in this country no fighting would be pro- 1 ceeding. Moreover, a great change had come over the face of the war during the oast week, and there was no doubt as to the ultimate issue. Everyone was fully decided that the i war would be carried to a successful ■ conclusion. He, was therefore of i opinion that the elections should be I held about the usual time. It was not possible to fix the exact date at this juncture, but it would probably, be early in December. j

SIR JOSEPH WARD S OPINION PARTY POLITICS LET LOOSE.

Sir Joseph Ward- said he was strongly opposed to the elections taking place this year. In his opinion New Zealand should be kept out side the effects of party or political strife. A general election even in normal circumstances meant the dislocation of commerce, and it was unfair to add to the Doubles during war time. It was entirely beside the question as to whether the elections would be favourable to one party or another. That was beside the big Imperial issue before them. He. was of opinion that the elections should be deferred until March next. He realised the difficulties before the Premier, and nothing but insuper able difficulties would justify the extension of the elections. He wished, however, to make it plain that he disclaimed all responsibility. It was obnoxious to him to have the elections this year. It would mean let ting loose the war dogs of local politics. He believed in the ultimate victory of the, Allies, but they could not shut- their eyes to the inevitable great loss of blood ami treasure. There was something to be consider ed more than, who should rule in New Zealand. He had no fear so far as his party was concerned ; but he would rather be the leader oi defeated party than one who could, claim an inane victory. I Reply ing to Sir Joseph V. aid, Mr. Massey combatted the idea of hold-1 ing the elections during the month, of March as being one of the busiest months in the year. He further said that his party was liable to the ac cusation of holding on to their seats if the elections were put oil'. Sir Joseph Ward replied that when the Opposition was unanimous in the j desire to have the elections put off | that argument would be taken out | of the mouths of the critics of thei Government.

MODERATE PARTY’S VIEW. THE DECISION REGRETTABLE. On tin: announcement being made that it wtts the intention of the Government to proceed with the Jeiietions at the usual time a press I repn tentative saw Mr.'A. S. Alonj leath. president of the New Zealand I Moderate League, ultk-li was instruj mental in organising the public petition for postponement Air. Monif ath said rhe decision would be received with great regret throughout the country, indications showed that public opinion was strongly against the elections being held this year, and a would be no surprise if this was demeuatrated by a small and undecisive vote being recorded. Ail liie political organisations would now oe forced to immediately embark on an election campaign at a lime when internal pt ace ana unity was of the utmost value. Our public men would be asked to divert their attention from matters of grave Imperial concern to give heed to the claims of political parties and the general public, whose own flesh and blood would probably be actively engaged at the front by election time, was to lie expected to calmly consider the claims < f rival candidates for office. This was another occasion on which further illustration could have been given to the world of the patriotism ami determined unity of the British pen;des in time of national stress, but unfortunately it had been missed. ‘‘So far as the Moderate League is concerned.” said .Mr. 3.1« nteath in conclusion, "we approached this matter in a purely nonpr.rty spirit, and we would like, to take tri is opportunity of thanking the public for their ready support. A very .strong public appeal tor a postponement was made, and it is worthy of note that no counterdejnonstration of any kind was forthcott’irg from the public. The various organisations are now forced, much; against the better promptings of the! counlry. to enter on an election 1 campaign which will be rendered' d-.m!.ly -I'ffniioas on account of the inevitable t jucoceupation of the elect.os. 'Hie -Moderate League, ir.-c. t t i !-. has a clear conscience that it hits done everything possible to ave.-i tins rt areitablo state of aff",