ELECTION QUESTION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 October 1941, Page 4

ELECTION QUESTION

i PARTY LEADERS CONFER DISCUSSIONS TO CONTINUE NEXT WEEK. STATEMENT BY MR. HOLLAND, i (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. The general election issue, together with a wide range of other questions, was discussed for the first time yesterday by the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, with the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Holland. Following this preliminary meeting, further discussions will probably take place during next week. Mr. Holland said last night that Mr. Fraser had invited him to call after the House had adjourned yesterday afternoon. He did so, and a private discussion followed. It was agreed that the fact that the discussion had taken place might be announced in view of the public interest. “I had a private discussion with the Prime Minister, lasting about half an hour,” Mr Holland said. “During that time we discussed everything from the war situation, the state of affairs in Britain and Europe, and the disposition of the New Zealand troops overseas, to the war situation in its relation to the political situation in New Zealand. The question of the general election was also discussed. These discussions will probably be continued next week.” Mr. Holland will remain in Wellington for the weekend instead of following his usual practice of returning to Christchurch. SOLDIERS’ VOTES PROVISION FOR RECORDING IN MIDDLE EAST. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. An indication that a general election may be held is given by the fact that Mr. A. G. Harper, a senior officer of the Department of Internal Affairs, has left Wellington, en route for the Middle East. His mission is to record soldiers' electoral votes. It is understood that he is accompanied by Major Bullock, of the Wellington Magistrates Court staff. MORE LEGISLATION SESSION EXPECTED TO END NEXT WEEK. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. The view that the session would end next week was repeated by the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, before the House of Representatives rose at 4.15 o’clock yesterday afternoon, till Tuesday. Mr. Fraser was replying to an inquiry by the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Holland, and said it looked as though the business would be done by next week. The Prime Minister also gave an outline of the business to come before the House next Tuesday. He said it was proposed to proceed with the War Damage Bill, the Land and Income Tax (Amendment) Bill and the Local Legislation Bill. Instead of the Local Legislation Bill it was possible that the Reserves and Other Lands Disposal Bill would be taken. Mr. Holland: “What about the Rehabilitation Bill? Is it proposed to proceed with that?” Mr. Fraser: “It should be introduced about Wednesday.”