The Northern Advocate “NORTHLAND FIRST” Registered for transmission through the as a Newspaper. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1943. POST-ELECTION POSSIBILITIES

Northern Advocate, 30 September 1943, Page 2

The Northern Advocate “NORTHLAND FIRST” Registered for transmission through the as a Newspaper. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1943. POST-ELECTION POSSIBILITIES

IT is to be feared that the general election is not destined to bring to New Zealand the political peace and unity which are so much needed in the days of stress and strain to which the country is being subjected by the world war. The Prime Minister has made it clear beyond misunderstanding that the Labour Party regards the verdict of the electors as endorsing the Government’s policy. He admits that the Government’s strength has been weakened, but that, he claims, is due to the diversion of the Labour- vote by those who “used and demeaned the name of Democratic Labour.” For this reason he regards the party’s majority in the House as adequate to enable it to “carry on the Government efficiently and effectively, with credit to Labour, and with additional lasting benefits and blessings for the people.” Whatever may be said for Mr. Fraser’s opinions, expressed obviously in the heat of post-election fervour, it is clear that continuance of party discord may mark the next three years, of the Dominion’s Parliamentary history, a period when, more than ever before, the wholehearted unity of New Zealanders will be required. The Government, it cannot be denied, will be able to carry on without the help of the Opposition, for even a majority of one would enable that to be done, but it will be deplorable if no higher ground than that is taken. There is urgent need for co-operation between the parties in all matters of national and, international importance, domestic issues being in a different category, but unless a spirit of conciliation by political groups is manifested, the Dominion must necessarily tread a rougher road than would otherwise be trod. It is, therefore, not reassuring to hear the Prime Minister say that the Government, confident of its capacity to exercise fully the mandate it has received from the people, .will not share the authority for carrying out its policy “with any person or party which has opposed us and our programme, and has been rejected by the people.”

RAT WEEK

IN common with every town and district throughout the Dominion, Whangarei will observe a “Rat Week,” which is to begin tomorrow. This constitutes an endeavour to rid the country of a pest the increase of which has become serious in recent months. Rats and mice are notorious carriers and spreaders of disease, and as war conditions are apt to bring epidemics in their train, it is a matter of urgency that the rodents should be exterminated wherever that can be done. To that end the Health Department has launched “Rat Week,” when trapping and poisoning of rats and mice will be carried on systematically. Poison ready for use is available in Whangarei free of charge at the Borough Council Chambers, Wylie’s service station (Maunu Road), and Webb’s service station (Kamo Road). There is a large supply of the poison, and traps may also be loaned. A good deal of propaganda has preceded the launching of the poisoning and trapping effort. Reports of lectures have been distributed among school-children, and posters have been exhibited in shops and elsewhere. Nobody, therefore, should be able to plead ignorance of what is being done. It now remains for citizens to help themselves by securing supplies of poison and using traps to the best advantage. The greater the number of rats and mice destroyed the greater will be the chance of safeguarding children and adults against disease ’which may take epidemic form. "At the same time citizens will improve their own property, for the damage done by rats and mice is so great as to need no comment. What applies to citizens applies equally to rural dwellers, who will be well advised to take advantage of what is a truly community service offered by the State.