CHALLENGE TO NAME ELECTION DATE

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 16, 12 October 1937, Page 5

CHALLENGE TO NAME ELECTION DATE

•Press Assnriation.)

Mr Hamilton's Reasons For Not Accepting f ' LIFE OF PARLIAMENT

(By Telegraph -

WELLINGTON, Tms Day. Commenting on the Prime Minister 's recent challenge to the Opposition to name the date of the next election, the Hon. Adam Hamilton, leader of the Opposition, gave reasons for his lionacceptance of the challenge. He stated that as the law stood at present tho term of Parliament was four years, and it was di&ciilt to see what the Prime Minister had in mind when making the ehallenge. The Government had been in offiee less than two years, and the country had not yet had an opportunity of seeing the full effect of its legislation, nor had the Government full opportunity of administering the laws it made. "As far as I can see," said Mr. Hamilton, ' ' no chang8 has occurred which would suggest immediate election. The Government has a majority in both Houses, and may pass any legislation it desifes." If the Prime Minister wished to involve the country in the expense and confusion of an election, then that must be his concern and responsibility," continued Mr. Hamilton. General elections should be held at definite intervals determined by Act, and should b© i'ought on real issues, not political challenges. "I feel this it not thp time to raise side issues in the public mind," he said, "but it is time when the Govetnment and Parliament should concentrate upon solving some of the serious problems which face this country." Mr. Hamilton expressed the opinion that four years should be the norma! life of Parliament.