THE ELECTIONS

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2255, 15 September 1914, Page 4

THE ELECTIONS

*- . RUMOURS OF POSTPONEMENT^ There has been a good deal of talk among members in the lobbies of Parliament Buildings during the last day or two about the coming elections, and more especially about the possibility of their being postponed. It was stated by some that postponement is at least a_ probability, but although /the assumption may yet prove to bp borreot, it isjust as likely to turn out'to be wrong. In other words, notJhing definite has been announced even privately by the Prime Minister as to his intentions, and as the decision on the question has been left to him entirely, any discussion of the chances of what.may !happen is yet pure conjecture.-<> This afternoon all 5.30 there is to>be a 1 meeting of'members of the Government Party, at which Mr. Massey will take his supporters into his confidence, and in all probability he will make a statement in the House later. ■ . "I don't know," was Mr. Mossey'e reply to an inquiry by a Dominion reporter as to when the elections were likely te be held. The only reason for the raising of the question of postponement in the first instance was that the fate of the Empire was at issue in-the great European war. But that was upwards of two weeks ago, and; events have marched rapidly since then, and most rapidly of all in the last day or two, until now no one can seriously suggest that tile Empire is in any real danger. It is not unreasonable' te suppose that before many days.the complexion of things may. have altered still further for the better ; and l no one can say whether the war will still bo going on in two and a lhalf months from now, about which time the elections would normally be held. There is every reason, - therefore, for the Prime Mimeter postponing his decision for as long- a timd ■as possible, and in. view of his answer, ' "I don't know," it would- appear thai, this is whathe has done". It is generally accepted, however, that if the elections are not held this year as usual the post* ponemen't will be until the end of 1915. •