IN THE BALANCE.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1777, 16 June 1913, Page 5

IN THE BALANCE.

FISHER CABINET'S FATE.

ONE SEAT NEEDED. j EXTRAORDINARY POSITION. By Teleiraph—Press Association—CopyrisM Sydney, Juno 14. If tho final figures give the Hume sent to Sir Williaim Lyne (Labour) the Federal Government will remain in office; if not, it Trill resign. In tho event of Sir William Lyne's return, a peculiar position will be oreated. His state of health will possibly prevent him from attending Parliament, and the parties will then be equally divided. Neither would be able to do anything without tho indulgence of the other. I The reason for the delay in the announcement of the returns for the Hume seat is that" tho electoral officer, departing from tho usual custom, lias verified all the absent votes before counting loday. For the Balkrat seat a recount is asked. There have been many complaints, and there may possibly be trouble regarding the polls recorded in several other electorates. Mr. Cook (Leader of tho Opposition), in addressing tho Women's Liberal League, said that no matter how Labour twisted the figures about, they, were in a minority of one, and that, whatever happened, tho power of Labour lmd been scotched. There would be no stable footing in Australia till the Liberals had hatl a fair, clear, stand-up fight with Labour, with every interest at stake. Whem that would come he did not protend to know, but lie advised them to keep their powder dry. The whole of.tho electoral machinery would need overhauling for the next election, so that there would be a fair field and no favour. ALLEGED ABUSES OF THE BALLOT. (Eec. June 15, 5.5 p.m.) Sydney, June 15. The Sydney newspapers give numerous instances of alleged abuses of tho ballot, quoting actual instances of impersonation or cases where alleged voters are known to liavo been absent from their districts for years, and in some instances to bo dead. HUME RESULT TO-DAY. (Bee. Juno IG, 0.30 a.m.) Sydney, June 15. There is much interest in the returns for the Hume seat, which will decide the Labour party's fate. Tho country will be finished to-morrow.