Date Cannot be Fixed Yet

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 48, 26 February 1943, Page 5

Date Cannot be Fixed Yet

Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Feb. 24. There was only one dissentient voice when a motion to hold an election this year was passed by the House to-day. The opponent of the proposal was Sir Apiraua Ngata. In moving the motion which he had introduced the previous afternoon, the i J rime Minister said the Government had taken the earliest opportunity of indicating its opinion on the election question and he anticipated it would be unanimously approved by the House. It had been clearly indicated when tho prolongation of Parliament Bill was under discussion last year, that if the situation improved the Government whs not going to shelter behind the Act. He said, however, he wished to strike a warning note to the country and that was, it would be fatal to the war effort and future war activities if the motion were to be construed as a reason for complacency or 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 are fighting, and and consult the people of the Dominion. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr. S. G. Holland, said everyone would agree this was not the time for complacency and he was sure none would interpret the decision to hold an election as justifying complacency. It did, however, give a reassurance that the progress of the war in our favour was very definite and positive. The question of holding an election was one for the Government and everyone would accept its decision. He thought, however, lhat an indication should be given of the month in which the elections would be held and made a plea for equality in the treatment of all parties in the availability of petrol, paper and radio facilities. He also considered 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 inequality of treatment in regard to paper and petrol supplies. Mr. J. A. Lee said he did not think anyone minimise the fact it was going to be a tough year. However, he thought there -was something to be said for fixing the approximate date of the election. He also advocated the granting of leave to members of the forces wishing to contest seats, and consideration being given to a vote for *he 18-year-olds in uniform. He thought Members of the House should have the opportunity of looking at the political news sent overseas for the benefit of the forces.

Sir Apirana Ngata said he was one of those who thought 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 feit that if there were a political fight, all the work would be undone.

When the vote on the motion was decided on the voices, Sir Apirana Ngata dissented. Mr. F. W. Schrani (Auckland East) said he did not agree with Sir Apirana Ngata’s opinion. Some people said I was unthinkable that there should 1 ■ an election in wartime but it would lie more unthinkable for a Government to stay in power without a mandate from the people.

Mr. leaser, dealing with the suggestion of votes for the 38-year-olds, said the matter would have to be closely and critically examined. At the moment it would only affect men in the Air Force for Men in the army were not sent on active service under the age of 21. The date for the election could not be decided for tho moment. A good deal would depend on how matters went and when the financial statement could bo brought before the House. He could give an assurance the election would not be held while the parliamentary delegates to London were absent. The suggestion that he sould ask members of the Legislative Council to take an appointment for one year, was preposterous. Whatever appointments were made would be made for the usual term.