THE ELECTIONS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue LXVIII, 23 September 1914, Page 4

THE ELECTIONS.

TO BE HELD IN DECEMBER

DECISION DISCUSSED IN THE HOUSE.

BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION

WELLINGTON, Sep. 22. In the House this afternoon the 1 remier said the matter of the elections had been the subject of a conference between himself, the 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 ofi the greatest difficulties was that therei was no precedent for the postponing of elections. From a democratic point of view the position was that every three years the people should ' have the right to select their represen-! tatives in Parliament, and in his opinion no self-respecting Government 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 nest few months : and there was a general feeling that during the winter it would be impossible to carry on. hostilities, so tnat when the elections are proceeding in this country no fighting will be proceeding. Moreover, a great cliauo-e had come over the face of the war during the nast week. There was no doubt as to'tie ultimate issue. Everyone i was fully decided that the war was to be carried to a, successful conclusion. Me was therefore of opinion that the j elections should be held about the usual tune. It was not possible to fix the exact date, at this, juncture, but probably early in December. Sir Joseph Ward said he was strongly opposed to the elections taking place this year. In his opinion New Zealand should be kept outside the effects of party or political strife. A general elec- [ tion, even in normal circumstances, meant dislocation of; commerce, and ib was unfair tn add these troubles during ! war time. It was entirely beside the ; question as-to whether the elections j would be favorable 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 insuperable difficulties | would justify an 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 letting loose the . war-dogs of local politics. He believed there would (>e a complete victory for the Allies, but they oonld not shut their eyes to the inevitable great-loss of Wood and treasure. There was something to be considered more than who should--rule in New He had no fear so far as his party was concerned, but ,he .would- rather be the leader of a defeated party than one who could claim an inane victory. •:.-.-■ : y< • Replying to Sir Joseph, .Mr'Massey contested the idea of holding 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 accusation of "hold- 1 ing-on to their seats" if the elections were put off. n Sir Joseph Ward replied that when the Opposition was unanimous in the desire to have the elections put off'that argument would be taken out of the mouths of the critics of the Govern-, ment. ■

Interviewed regarding the announcement that the elections would he held as usual. Mr A. S. Menteath, president of the Moderate League, which organised the petition for.the postponement, said the decision would be received with great regret throughout the Dominion. All organisations would now be forced to enter an election campaign at. a time when internal peace and unity was of the utmost value. Unfortunately -another) opportunity'- had been missed to: further illustrate to the world the patriotism and determined unity of the British, peoples in time of national 6tress. The rcre-occupation of electors woul d probably result in a. small and undecisive vote being recorded. The Moderate League had done everything humanly possible to avert this regrettable state of affairs.