THE ELECTIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 102, 23 September 1914, Page 4

THE ELECTIONS.

TO BQ HELD IN DEQHIfSES.

OPPOSITION UMiKIMOUSLY FAVORS D&LAT.

By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. In the House tihi» aftarnoo* the Premier said the matter of tlia elections ' had >heen t'ho subject/ of u conference between himself, the leader of title Opposition, and after wards ibcitwcen them ' and some of the leading members of ] their parties l . They had not been able i to arrive at a decision tliat waa unani- 1 mous, because the matter waa so dili'i- 1 cult One of the greatest difficulties was that there was no precedent for the postponing of ©lections. From a demo- i emtio ipoinit of view tho position wsw 1 that every three years the people should have the righlt to select their representatives in Parliament, and) ii&his opinion ! no seLf-roapecting Government could re- : tain office for a longer period than the term for which (Parliament waa elected. He had taken the opinion of those in tlie best position to judge of a (Taj re in Europe during the next few months, and there was a general feeling that during 1 (he winter it would be impossible to carry on hostilities, so that wiien the elections are proceeding in thig country no fighting will Ibe- proceeding. Moreover, a great change had come over tho 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 bo carrksd to a successful comclußro». He mi therefore of opinion thait the elections should l)o held about the usual time. It was not possible to fix the exact date ait this juncture, but prdbablr earlv in December. Sir Joseph Ward said he was strongly opposed to the elections taking place this year. In ihis opinion New Zealand should ba kept outside the effects of party or political strife. A general election, even in normal circumstances, meant dislocation of commerce, and it was jmfair to add these troubles during war time. It was entirely 'beside the question as to whether the elections would be favorable to one-party or aiv other. That wa-s beside the big Imperial issue before them. He was of opinion that the elections should 'be deferred until March next. He realised the dirticulties 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 responsibility. It was obnoxious to him to hare the elections this year. It would' mean letting loose the war-dogs of local politics. He believed there would Ibe a complete victory for the Allies, but they could inoit shut their eyes to the inevitable great loss of blood and treasure. Theire ttas something to be considered more than who should rule im New Zealand. He had no fear so far as his party was concerned, ibut he would rather be tie leader of a defeated party thaa ono who could claim an inane victory. Replying to Sit Joseph, Mir. Massey contested the idea of holding the elections diuring thel montih, of Manoh, aa being one of the busiest months in the year. _ He further said thait hia party was liaible to the accusation of "holding on to their scabs" if the elections wert; put Sir Joseph Ward replied thai wh«rf the Opposition was nnanimous i» Uhe desire to have the elections put off that argument would be taken oulk at the mouths of the critics of the (Sorernmffini

DECISION RECEIVED WITH RiEGiRET. Wellington, liiat Night. Interviewed regarding the announcement that the elections would he held as usual, Mr. A. S. Monteath, president of tha Moderate League, which organised the petition for the postponement, said the decison would be received with gretat regret throughout vtihe Dominion. All organisations would now 'bo forced to enter an election campaign at a time when internal peace and unity was of I'lie utmost value. Unfortunately another opportunity had Ibeen missed to further illustrate to the world the patriotism and determined unity of the British peoples in time of national etirc&s. The pre-oceuipation of electors would proibably result in a smhll and undecisive vote being recorded, lie Moderate League hiad dione everything humanly possible to avert this regrettable state of affairs.