DATE OF ELECTIONS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15715, 16 September 1914, Page 6

DATE OF ELECTIONS

The Prime Minister has taken, a soundly patriotic course in consulting with the Leader of the Opposition upon the question of holding the elections at the usual time, or adjourning them until some future date- The Herald is strongly of opinion that the ordinary procedure should be followed, seeing no good reason why constitutional methods should not be unfalteringly pursued in time' of war as in time of peace, and believing that the electors will

be more careful in their selection during a great national emergency than at any other period. Nevertheless, it must be admitted that the opposite view is held by some— possibly by many—citizens, and more particularly by those who are strongly partisan in political life. Their argument is that the party strife associated with a general election will disturb the unity which all loyal citizens desire to maintain at this crucial epoch in Imperial history-making. It can freely be acknowledged that a generally satisfactory arrangement, is more likely to be reached by a friendly conference between the party leaders than by either public or Parliamentary discussion. There are various important points to be considered, the carrying on of public business to be arranged for, the empowering Act to be agreed upon if a " Long Parliament'' is instituted. If the responsible and recognised leaders of both sides of the House could come to a unanimous agreement on the. question, and if whatever constitutional amendments are required pass without serious opposition, the country may be trusted to accept this solution of the situation loyally and without acrimony. At the same time, while the question is still an open one, we must repeat that the great majority of our citizens are perfectly willing to vote as usual, and may be trusted to vote in such a manner as will secure the interests of the Empire and the safety of this Dominion.