AUSTRALIAN ELECTIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 December 1919, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN ELECTIONS.

r n lIBTII iljl ANT it 11. Z. OAIII.K ASSOCIATION! (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) SYDNEY, Dec. 12. Interest in the general elections is j marked by considerable apathy on the part of a certain body of voters. The campaign is closing in a quiet way. Looming bigness of after war problems and serious needs of Australia is considered to be throwing many normal exciting side issues into the back ground. The policies of the two main parties differ less in professed aim than in tlie methods proposed tor carrying them into effect. The fight has been round the clamant post-war industrial and financial readjustments. The new system of preferential voting has its dangers in creating surprises in results. , The Farmers Party, a break away chiefly from the Nationalist ranks, is a factor to be counted with, and is certain to win a number of seats. Possibly it will secure a controlling posi- ; tion in the new House. Its leaning . however, will perhaps he more Nntionnl- ( ist than Labour. As far as the Senate elections go, only liplf the members retire this time, so Labour, even if it wins most elections now, cannot get a majority in the Senate this time. The three parties face tho battle with stereo- . typed declarations of confidence. Judging from surface indications, with an allowance for surprises, from the new voting system, Nationalists expect to secure a majority, • although with the party ranks considerably changed. Mr Hughes anticipates a hard fight, f at Bendigo) Two other Ministers, Mr . Webster and .Mr Glynn are considered n not too safe. Mr Ryan has a victory ~ in view in West Sydney, unless all pres oedents are upset. All parties fought v somewhat shy of the referendum issue. It is generally admitted that some extension of the powers of the Commonwealth Government are necessary to deal with constitutional difficulties, but State interests are so interwoven therewith that the question is a burning one. ; 1 Already similar powers have been 11 asked for twice, and have been refus-, ed by tho electors. If Hughes is defeated on the referendum there will not he great surprise.