GENERAL ELECTION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 June 1943, Page 3

GENERAL ELECTION

IN SEPTEMBER NEXT LEGISLATION TO POSTPONE BY-ELECTIONS. INTRODUCED BY GOVERNMENT. IBy Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. An announcement that the general election would be held in September was made in the House of Representatives last night by the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, following the introduction of the By-Elections Postponement Bill. The Bill, which postpones the holding of by-elections between now and the general election, was read a first time. It states that no writ shall be issued for a by-election to fill any vacancy now existing in the House or any other vacancy that may now arise before the general election. The Bill also revokes the writ issued on May 19 for the election of a member of Parliament for Northern Maori as well as all nominations received and notices issued in respect of that election. The measure is to continue in force- till September 30. The Prime Minister said that three by-elections were pending and a general election was due to take place. Ho thought there would be general agreement that it would be a waste of time, effort and money, and be particularly misplaced at the present time, to fight p. miniature general election before the main election. Under the Bill the byelections pending in Northern Maori, Pahiatua and Kaipara and any other by-elections which might occur would be postponed. Mr Lee (Democratic Labour, Grey Lynn) asked what would be the position should unforeseen circumstances arise.

The Prime Minister said the Bill fixed a date before which the general election must be held, namely. September 30. In the event of any contingency holding up the election the by-elections would have to go on, or the House called together again to reconsider the position.

“Can you indicate the month when the election will be held?” asked the Leader of the Opposition. Mr Holland. Mr Fraser said it was intended that it should be held in September. He expressed his regrets to the candidates in the Northern Maori electorate. The alternatives were to hold all three byelections or to stop all three of them. The present course was fair to everyone, He thought the House would agree the measure was well advised.