VIRTUALLY CERTAIN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25851, 23 May 1945, Page 5

VIRTUALLY CERTAIN

GENERAL ELECTION IN JULY

DECISION WITH MR CHURCHILL LONDON,-May 21. The Labour Party’s reply to Mr Churchill makes a July election virtually certain, says The Times parliamentary correspondent. It now rests with Mr Churchill to decide the date of the election and advise the King to dissolve Parliament. July 6 is generally thought to be the date that will be chosen. In that event the promised three weeks’ notice of dissolution must be given within the next two or three days. If the alternative date of July 11 is chosen, notice of dissolution could await Parliament’s reassembly on May 29. The Labour members of the Government are expected to withdraw immediately notice of dissolution is given, obliging Mr Churchill to form a “ caretaker” Government. In this he will have the support of the Liberal Nationals, as indicated by Mr Brown’s letter.

The Press Association’s lobby correspondent says that if Mr Churchill’s suggestion were adopted of a referendum on whether the Coalition should continue, some close observers are convinced that the country, by a big majority, would support continuance of the Coalition. A strong feeling exists in many places that this is not the time for election distractions.

The Daily Mail says that whenever the election occurs the results will not be known until 21 days after the electors at home have voted. This allows time for servicemen and women throughout the world to record their votes. Ballot papers and election addresses will be flown to them, and the R.A.F. will fly their votes back. Over 70 per cent, of qualified servicemen and women have so far applied for votes, and it is expected that within the time limit 90 per cent, will' have applied. Many service personnel have appointed proxies to vote for them here. About 300 service candidates have already been chosen. Those abroad will be flown to their constituencies. Many of them are already en route.