“ELECTION URGENT"

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 193, 17 July 1941, Page 6

“ELECTION URGENT"

IF COALITION NOT FORMED. (Press Assn) WELLINGTON, July 16. A remit “that in this period of grave national danger this conference urges the setting up of a Government uniting all sections of the community in the greatest possible effort for the successful prosecution of the war, was carried at the annual Dominion conference of the Farmers’ Union. “Our people to-day feel the need for unity and are doing theii best to get unity, but the powers that be scorn determined not to concede it,” said Mr R. G. Bishop (Soiitlibridgc, North Canterbury) in moving the remit. Captain H. M. Rushworth (Auckland) said what was wanted was effective criticism oP all Government action, but when a party was whip-ridden the most logical arguments had no effect whatever. “I think it would be tragic if a general .election were to take place.” Captain Rushworth said. “Wo have no guarantee that we aro going to get. a Coalition Government in the present circumstances, and .no guarantee that we are going to have an election,” said Mr 11. .T. McILeavey (Manawatu). “Wc know we have a chance of a coalition if the Opposition is returned to power.” Mr H. O. Melsop (Auckland) said that to ask for a general election would lx? asking for hostilities to bo opened up from one end of the country to tho other __ The following motion l>y Air MeLenvcv was carried without dissent: —“That failincr the formation of a truly National Government this conference considers that a general election is urgently called for.”