POLITICS IN NEW ZEALAND

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 44, 15 November 1940, Page 8

POLITICS IN NEW ZEALAND

Future Possibilities

GENERAL ELECTION NEXT YEAR

Review By Mr. Doidge

Dominion Special Service AUCKLAND, Nov. 14. ‘‘Early in the coming - year we shall turn our thoughts to the general election. Then as now there can be only one issue, war; only one objective, victory,” said Mr. Doidge. M.P.. when addressing a meeting at Devonport. ‘‘At that election 1 believe the people will decide that New Zealand can make a better contribution to the winning of the war if a National Party Government is in power.

"There is an uneasy feeling hi tlie minds of many people that the Government may seek to prolong the life of Parliament. -- continued Mr. Doidge, “and there is no doubt tliat the 'round robin’ on the postponement of the local body elections was a feeler. “it may be argued that Britain's action is an example we. should follow. However, an election at home is unthinkable while the battle of London is in progress and Britain is a citadel besieged. Rather have Canada and Australia provided us with the example we must follow. “Constitutionally the position is clear tliat Mr. Fraser, as Prime Minister, has not yet had a mandate from the people. If he seeks to entrench himself in power by prolonging the life of Parliament it. will be a negation of democracy. He will expose his Government to the charge that it is afraid to trust the people. It would mean that the Government assumes tlie right to control without a mandate, and its authority would rest on legal force and not on moral right. “Strategically Mr. Fraser make a mistake by not going to the country when ho first took office. The people were then disposed to regard him as a strong man. Six months in office have sufficed to expose him as more firmly shackled to tlie party machine than his predecessor. What Might Happen. "The future holds some interesting political possibilities,” continued Mr. Doidge. "The Prime Minister might decide to seek an accommodation with the National Party, he might, offer a truly National Government, or invite a wartime coalition; alternatively he might, seek a compromise with Mr. Lee, now so busily engaged in driving _ a wedge into the Socialist ranks. Yet again Mr. Lee may proceed with his declared intention of putting 60 candidates of his own into the field, and so wreck the Government. “Further than that, we have movements afoot to revive the Liberal I’arty and to create a new People’s Party. With these activities we are little concerned. The electors have only one thought at this time, the energetic and successful prosecution of the war. This is no time for party political or factional tights. The people want to concentrate on tlie effort to win the war, and. what is equally important, to win peace. “If we close up our ranks. I am convinced that those are the tasks with which a National Party Government will be entrusted after tlie general elect ion.”