Strenuous Election Nears End

Northern Advocate, 24 September 1943, Page 7

Strenuous Election Nears End

Whether in families or' among friends, opinions are never so divided as on the subject of politics and, while the bitterness which might mark some feuds is largely absent, unless it, is in the political arena itself, there is no doubt that father and son. and brother and brother, tend to go their separate ways when they reach the polling booth.

Nor is the division of opinion limited to the masculine gender. The weaker sex in many cases holds strong views where politics are concerned and, although in public perhaps inclined to reticence, can wield a pencil firmly and decisively in the secrecy of the polling booth. Interest Quickening

With the precious right to hold opinions, and express them, given free rein, interest in the election on Saturday is quickening and plans are being made to spend Saturday night to the best advantage and with maximum enjoyment. Quite a few people are arranging friendly parties so that round the radio, through which results will be given, they may hear the settlement of their arguments at the will of the people.

Policies of the various parties have been well publicised, particularly in Northland where three electorates have been combed by rperesentatives of the “Northern Advocate” to glean from meetings addressed by the various candidates any and all items of, public intei'est, and few people will not have already made up their mind regarding which way they will cast their votes, both on political and licensing issues. Clean Campaign

It has been an interesting campaign, for the candidates and for those who have attended meetings, while those who have stayed at home and listened to the nightly broadcasts of political hope and political promise have hfeard expositions of the broad questions on which they have the chance to decide.

Attendance at meetings, generally speaking, have been smaller than might have been expected if it had not been for the broadcast addresses, but that does not indicate lack of interest in the election. Few elections have been more strenuously fought and few have been more cleanly contested. Personal issues throughout the Dominion mostly have been kept in the background and, while some meetings have been spirited, there has not been the personal rancour which has marred some political fights of the past. Friendly Rivalry

Interjections have not been infrequent at some meetings, but the atmosphere has been friendly and there has been An absence of animosity. Candidates have not had to oppose violently oppositionist tactics and the spirit of friendly rivalry has been maintained throughout. It has been a strenuous campaign for the candidates in the three northern electorates. As many as three meetings a day have been addressed by the aspirants for political,honours and the fact that they have been able to sustain their efforts without let-up is a clear indication of the manner in which the meetings have been conducted and the manner in which the electors have conducted themselves.

At 7 p.m. on Saturday the will of the people will have been expressed. Before the night has closed the decision in the majority of electorates will be known and the political destiny of the country decided for a further term.