SATURDAY POLL

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22510, 19 September 1938, Page 10

SATURDAY POLL

RELIGIOUS SCRUPLES

MR SAVAGE’S ANSWER TO

OBJECTIONS

(PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.)

WELLINGTON. September 17. A statement on the Governments decision to hold the General Election on a Saturday was made by the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage) have been made by churchmen, in particular, who have raised the question of risk of a breach of the observation of the Sabbath, he said “Every care is being taken to see that no one shall be called upon to work on the Sunday following the election. Arrangements are being made by the Chief Electoral Officer to have the final count of votes carried out on Monday. No electoral officer will be required to do any work after midnight on Saturday. “The choice of Saturday provides obvious advantages. For the majority of electors the day is virtually a full holiday, and any people who do not choose to sacrifice Sufficient time to record their votes cannot claim to have a clear appreciation 'of their privilege and responsibility.”

DUNEDIN BUSINESSMEN

APPROVE

DUNEDIN, September 17. General approval of polling day being set down for a Saturday was expressed by representatives of manufacturing, wholesale and retail interests in Dunedin. That this departure from the usual week-day poll would make it unnecessary to cease business for a half day, was the principal reason for approval. Religious organisations declined to comment.

ADDRESS BY MR KEN ARMOUR

An address was given to 90 persons in the St. Martins Library on Saturday evening by Mr Ken Armour, National candidate for the Christchurch East seat. . After his address. Mr Armour was accorded a hearty vote of thanks and confidence by acclamation. Mr Thompson presided.