Local Elections Postponement

Horowhenua Chronicle, 26 July 1916, Page 2

Local Elections Postponement

I xJISOI'SSIOX IX PARLIAMENT. In flie Houbp, last night, the Hon. G \Y . Itussell moved the second reading of tlie biK to postpone local elections. He said it followed the Imperial precedent, and was designed mainly for the purpose of economy and to prevent divisions among the peoplo during the war. In the ordinary course 11(5 borough would hold elections ill April, 1917. The Internal Affairs Department estimated that b,v avoiding the elections the country would- save £40,000 to £50,000. I? EACTIONAR Y LEGI SLAT lON.

Commenting 011 tho local elections | postponement, Mr McCombs described this ars only a reactionary Parliament -Bill. Jt had been fathered by Mr Russell, a prominent Liberal member of the Cabinet on the advice of threo individuals. He was nol surprised that the Mayor of Auckland had protested. against it as a quite unnecessary restriction ot the people's privileges. Mr Rrissell: We are following the Imperial Parliament's precendent. Mr Payne: ft terminates this .year. Mr MoOombs asked why not abolish local elections altogether and make M- JRus6cll a dictator. Tlu> latter was not playing tTie game with bis chief, Sir Joseph Ward. Who was responsible to see that the cost of living was not lost sight of? The local elections gave an opportunity of testing public feeing. The Bill wbs read a second time, and tho House rose at 1.55 p7ili.