HAMILTON BY-ELECTION

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 22612, 18 May 1945, Page 2

HAMILTON BY-ELECTION

Hamilton is approaching the final week of an election campaign which is creating intense interest because of the issues involved and the personalities engaged on the hustings. One Minister said that this was no ordinary by-election, that its results would have an effect on the next general election and that it would pass judgment on the Government’s administration. This being so, a corresponding responsibility rests Aipon the electorate. The state of public interest suggests a record poll. Indeed, there has been a considerable increase in the number of electors on the roll and it would be a poor tribute to the public’s awareness of political responsibility if record numbers did not cast their votes. The Government having nominated this as a test of its quality in the public mind it would be unfortunate if everyone eligible to vote did not go to the polls. There is more than the administration of the Government to be judged on May 26. Most importantly, the Government has announced its intention oi making further excursions into the realms of Socialism. New Zealand, and the Hamilton electorate in particular at the moment, have to decide whether they will give the mandate to proceed. This is not a matter that can be taken lightly* nor one in which there is any excuse for refraining from casting a deliberate vote. The future way of life of every man, woman and child in the Dominion is involved. There is no mystery about it and no cause for misunderstanding. The policies of all the candidates have been thoroughly disclosed. The party in power has been following a welldefined course of increasing control by the State, while the Opposition is pledged to a policy of greater freedom for the individual. This is the basic issue upon which the Hamilton electorate and all other electorates 18 months hence will be required to pass their judgment.