The Hokitika Guardian FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8th, 1922. YESTERDAY’S POLL.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 December 1922, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian FRIDAY, DECEMBER Bth, 1922. YESTERDAY’S POLL.

It is too early yet to discuss in any detail tilt result of yesterday’s general election. The outstanding fact disclosed by tho figures published this tflening is that the Reform majority has been absolutely swept a" ay, and that Air Alassey and bis colleagues if they continue to fcold office at all after the - meeting of Parliament, must hold it by the grace of the Liberal Oppose tion. Air AVilford is placed in a postlion almost as difficult a-s that of tho Prime Minister, though naturally; a loss unpleasant one, and upon his tact sagacity and fronkness will depend largely* a satisfactory solution of tho extremely intricate problem created by yesterday’s polling. In the hour of his discomfiture we have no desire to sav one ungenerous word of Mr Alassey, but it is pbvious some of his friends are hoping to intriguo him into a continuance of office. They are say-1 ing now that tliflre five jip _ 'Practical differences between the policies of jhp

Liberals and the Reformers, and that the two parties must come together for the purpose of staying the progress of Labour. We heard this kind of talk from different points all through the election campaign. Its purpose then I was t® divert votes from Liberalism to i Reform. The local Reform candidate j kept Ul'gilig the similarity of the Libj oral and Labour policies! Its purpose now is to draw fainthearted Liberals (who were lately classed with Rod Feds) across (he floor of the House to save the face and the existence of the Reform Government. But as Mr Massey and his friends know perfectly well, there is the great difference of electoral methods between the two parties. This is more vital than any other question that arose during the contest, and it must he settled now definitely before the Opposition ill justice to the vast majority that supported it at the polls can open any sort of negotiations with .the Government Yesterday some 257,000 electors voted for the Government and 340,000 electors against it. This meant a majority of over 83,000 in favour of the introduction of a more democratic system of representation, and the Opposition must insist upon having this concession before it consents to the discussion of any other aspect of the situation arising out of the close division of the parties. The country will look to Mr Wilford to sec that this part of the fruits of the vertual victory of the Opposition is positively secured. AA’e need scarcely say that we deeply regret the result of the polling in the AA’estland constituency. This is not a time for recriminations and we are not going to indulge in them, but we are sure that Mr Massey himself viewing to-day the result of his extraordinary efforts to unseat Mr T. E. Y. Seddon, must regret ho did not exercise a little more chivalry and we may say, without bitterness, a great deal more true patriotism. Mr j Seddon’s exclusion from Parliament is only for a space of time, perhaps a very brief one, and neither the son of a great father, or his many persnoal and political friends will be discouraged by what, has happened through the operation of a scandalously inequitable system of election. On all these points we shall have something to say later on.