The General Elections.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 31, 23 September 1914, Page 8

The General Elections.

TO BE HELD AS USUAL. OPPOSITION UNANIMOUSLY FAVORS OELAY. [PKH PRESB ABBOOIATIOK ] Wellington, September 22. In the House this afternoon the Premier said the matter of the eloc lions had been the subject of a conference between himself, the 'ea-Uji of 'the Opposition, and afterwards between members of their parties. Tlvy had hot been able to arrive at a decision that was .unanimous, because the matter was so difficult. One of [the greatest difficulties was that theie 'was no precedent for the postponing lof elections. From a dernoc-atic point of view the position was tint that every three years the peoph i should have the right to select thei.' representatives in Parliament, and :ii» his opinion no self-respecting Gov- ! eminent eouid retain office for a lon[ger period than the term for wluv'i 'Parliament was elected. Ho had J taken the opinion of those in the..best I position to judge of affairs in Eu'vpe 'during the next few months, and there was a general feeling that during the winter it would be impos • hie to carry on hostilities, so that wLun the elections are proceeding in fctus country no fighting will be proceed*!);,:. Moreover, a great had 0.-io over the face of the war during the past week. There.was no doubt as to the ultimate issue. Everyone was fully decided that the war was to be carried to a successful conclusion. He was therefore of opinion that the elections should be held about the usual time. It was not possible to fix the exact date at this juncture, but probably early in December. Sir Joseph Ward said he wa-> strongly opposed to the elections taking place this year. In his opinion New Zealand should be kept outsrle the effects of party or political strife. A general election, even in norm-.l; circumstances, meant dislocation of' .commerce, and it was unfair to add these troubles during war time. 1 was entirely beside the question as to whether the elections would bo favorable to one party or another. ThiL was beside the big Imperial issue before them. He was of opinion that the elections should be deferred until March next. He realised the diffie 1 1 - ties before the Premier., and nothing but insuperable difficulties would justify an extension of the elections. He 'wished, however,.to make it plain that he disclaimed all responsibilty. It ; was obnoxious to him to have the ■ elections, this year. It would mean letting loose the war-dogs of local politics. He believed there would be. a complete victory for the Allies, but they could not shut their eyes to the inevitable great loss of blood and treasure. There, was something to be considered more than who should rule in New Zealand. He had no fear so far as his party was concerned,but he would rather be the leader of a defeated party than one win could claim an inane victory.

Replying to Sir Joseph, Mr Massey contested the idea of holding the eleo. tions during the, month of March, a-, being one of the busiest months in the year. He further said that his party was liable to the accusation of ■'holding on to their seats" if the elections were put off.

Sir Joseph Ward replied that when the Opposition was unanimous in tlu desire to have the elections put off that argument would be taken out of the mouths of the critics of the Government. - THE "MODERATE" LEACUE. "Wellington; September 22. Interviewed regarding the announcement that the elections would be heil as usual, Mr A. S. Monteath, president of the Moderate League, which organised the petition for the postponement, said the decisions would be received with great regret througnout the Dominion. All organisatio is would now be forced to enter an election campaign at a time when internal peace and unity was of the utmost value. Unfortunately another opportunity had been missed to further illustrate to the world the patriotism and determined unity of the British peoples in time of national stress. Tbe pro-occupation of electors would probably result in a small and undecisive vote being' recorded. The Moderate League bad done everything humanly possible to avert this regrettable slate of affairs.-