THE DATE OF THE ELECTIONS

North Otago Times, Volume C, Issue 13148, 1 September 1914, Page 7

THE DATE OF THE ELECTIONS

DEPENDS ON THE WAR,

WELLINGTON, August 28.

Being pressed by the Leader of the Opposition to indicate whether the general elections will be postponed, the Prime Minister made ut statement in the House of Representatives early this morning, explaining- why the information cannot at present be given.

"We ought to know what the Government proposes to do," Sir Joseph Ward declared, offering to assist in passing necessary legislation so that Parliament might ■adjourn within a ■week.

The Prime Minister replied that for the reason that no one could predict the condition's that would exist at the beginning of December, he could- not make any pronouncement with regard to the elections. Legislation such as halL never previously been introduced in the New Zealand Parliament would be required if it was proposed to prolong the,term of Parliament. Sir Joseph Want: The position must be faced. , The Prime Minisler:JWe arc too far away to say what ought to be done. The Government has never yet considered the question,.because it is impossible to do.so until wc have a better idea of what the position is likely lo be. ' A decisive battle may.be fought any day, and by December, the war may be practically over. In such circumstances it wouid bo only right to go ou with the elections.