FARMERS’ APPEAL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 265, 9 November 1945, Page 5

FARMERS’ APPEAL

GOVERNOR-GENERAL WILL NOT INTERVENE Wellington, Nov. 8 The appeal of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union to the Governor-Gen- j eral. Sir Cyril Newall, to intervene to prevent the passage of th" Electoral Amennment Bill without the holding of a General Election, has failed. In __ a letter, dated November 7, to the Dominion president of the Union. Mr. Mulholland, the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, states that it is the Government’s intention that the Bill should proceed through the remaining Parliamentary stages. Ho add* that it would be quite unconstitutional for His Excellency to pro ogue Parliament and hold an election as the Union had suggested. Mr. Fraser’s letier i- as follows: “In accordance with constitutional practice. His Excellency the Gov? uorGenerai has forwarded to h responsible advisers, for their co.i ideation. your letter, dated November 1, addressed to His Excellency with a reque. t, as you have already been In. formed, that the reply should be sent to you direct. “It is noted that you ask Hu Excellency to request his advisers to reconsider their decision to pass the i Electoral Amendment Bill at this time. As you are aware, this measure, which the Government regards as one of major impor ance, has now passed the House of Representatives, and it is the intention of the Government , that it. should proceed through tne remaining Parliamentary stages.

“Your request to His Excellency to prorogue Parliament and hold an election is also noted. In this connection I have to advise you that such action on the part of His Excellency in the present circumstances would "be quite unconstitutional, since the Electoral Amendment Bill is in no way contrary to the laws of New Zealand nor does it violate the spirit of the Constitution.

“In view of the answer contained in the foregoing paragraphs, any question of appealing to His Majesty the King, as requested in your letter of November 1, does not therefore arise.”