APPEAL TO PEOPLE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 June 1943, Page 4

APPEAL TO PEOPLE

DISSOLUTION AND EARLY ELECTION ANNOUNCED BY FEDERAL PREMIER. OPPOSITION SURPRISED. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day. 1.20 p.m.) CANBERRA, This Day. A dramatic announcement that he intended to ask for an almost immediate dissolution of Parliae ment has been made by the Australian Prime Minister, Mr Curtin. Federal elections will be held at an early date. They are generally anticipated at some time in August. Mr Curtin's announcement followed on a btter sitting, culminating in a decision by the Full Cabinet to relieve the. Minister of Labour, Mr Ward, of his' portfolio, pending an investigation by a Royal Commission into Mr Ward’s allegation (subsequently withdrawn) that a vital War Cabinet document was missing. Parliament will be dissolved some time next week.

‘This Parliament has exhausted its forces for constructive legislation,” said Mr Curtin. “I think it must be palpable to everyone that the capacity of this Parliament to administer this country is the issue which must be submitted to a higher tribunal.” Certain machinery measures necessary for the conduct of the war will be passed before the dissolution of Parliament. Mr Curtin’s announcement took the Opposition completely by surprise. In responding, the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Fadden, expressed .agreement with the Prime Minister's statement. He said: “Parliament has given evidence of its inability to work in accordance with the present circumstances. The constitution of Parliament is such that the whole political position is grave.” The Government has been beaten in the Senate on its proposal to extend a vote to all members and former members of the Australian forces under 21 years of age. By a majority of two votes, the Senate Opposition carried an amendment restricting the vote to members or discharged members of the forces who have served overseas. The Curtin Government is expected to accept the amendment and pass the Franchise Bill before Parliament dissolves.