THE ELECTION ISSUE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25240, 1 June 1943, Page 2

THE ELECTION ISSUE

TEST OF PUBLIC OPINION MAJORITY FOR POSTPONEMENT (Special) AUCKLAND, May 31. The New Zealand Freedom Association states that the figures in its recent test of public opinion on the desirability of holding a general election have now been compiled and analysed. The test was conducted in the Auckland metropolitan area and surrounding districts. Voters were asked to indicate which of the three following statements correspond most closely with their own personal opinion. The three statements submitted were as fol16ws:— . 1. As matters stand at present in the various theatres of war, I think that we should have a general election this 2. As matters stand at oresent in the various theatres of war, I think that we should carry on as we are for another year, at least, without a general election until, say, 1944. 3. I consider that, even at this late stage of the war, it is still the duty of our political leaders to produce a National Government wLh a Cabinet truly representative of all parties in the House, and, having done so, to carry on without an election until victory is more nearly within our grasp. A large •'number of voting papers were received, and the result of the ballot was as follows: Per cent. For proposal 1 .. .. 31.41 For proposal 2 .. .. 13.91 For proposal 3 .. .. 54.68 Fifty-nine per cent, of the total number of voting papers received were sent in by men and 41 per cent, by women. ’ The opinions of ihe men v. ho recorded their votes were as follows':— For proposal one, 37.2 per cent.; for proposal 2, 12.1 per cent.; for proposal 3, 50.7 per cent. The papers sent in by women voters gave a very different result as follows:—For proposal 1, 23 per cent.; for proposal 2, 16.5 per cent,; for proposal 3, 60.5 per cent.