THE GENERAL ELECTION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1936, 6 February 1919, Page 3

THE GENERAL ELECTION.

POSSIBLE BEFORE SESSION,

OPINIONS OF AIR. RUSSELL.

The Minister for Internal Affairs,, the Hon. 6. W. Hassell, made passing reference to political questions in an interview at Christchurch this week, hinting at the possibility of a general election as soon as Mr Massey and Sir Joseph Ward return to this country, with the holding of the session after the election instead of before. Mr Russell declined to make any statement regarding the proposed new political party Avhich is being mooted. The National Government, he said, was formed for the purpose of preventing parly action during the progress of the war, in order that the Government might he strengthened on its administration side, and particularly in order that the attention of the entire country might be concentrated on the winning of the war. The wav had How been won, and the question of whether the National Government Avon Id continue or Avould resolve itself once more into its constituent elements would, he had no doubt, be decided very shortly after I lie return of the Parly leaders. “In the meantime,’'’ added Mr Russel!, “avc are carrying on, and political organisation and warfare is naturally suspended Avhile the Government is in existence.” Asked as to when he thought (he general election would be held, be said be was notj prepared to express an opinion. Parliament granted supply usually till June 130th, ami it conscquenlly became absolutely necessary lor Parliament to meet again before thaf. date (o pass supply, but this year Parliament bad extended the (bite of supply till December ill si, consequently it avus not necessary for Parliament to meet before (he month of December, and one of (he possibilities of (be situation was lhal the general clod mm might ho held before Parliament met. Do would like to add, while slating this as a possibility, that he did not suggest' in any way that it was to be regarded as a probability.