POLITICAL.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 December 1922, Page 3

POLITICAL.

MR WITTY'S VIEWS. CHRISTCHURCH. Dec 11. ■‘The political situation i- most interesting and it appears fairlv certain that Mr Massey will find himself in ;« minority of two at least when the final results are known.” said Mr George Witty, M.R.. on Saturday. Mr Witty said be was inclined to Clink the foremost candidates in the doubtful seats would be elected because the absent votes we it usually fairly evenly distributed. Under the circumstances it looked us though Mr Mas-n.-’s best wav out of his difficulty would lie L*> endeavour to persuade a member of the Opposition to accept the vacant speakership. That would have the effect of reducing the strength ol the opjxisition and consolidating lee (fovernmeiil numbers. CHANGES IN OTAGO. I « ‘ • Dec 9. To the surprise of many shrewd campaigners. Otago, has swung definitely from Reform to Liberalism. In the- last Parliament there _ were seven Reform members, lour Liberal members one Labour member, and one independent. In the next Parliament, on present figures," there will be three Reform members, screen l iberal members. one Labour member, and one independent. One scat. Bruce, formerly i , |, v j| Liberal member has been wiped out. REFORM - REDUCED MAJORITIES. Of nine Reform Cabinet Ministers only one succeeded in increasing ns majority over, the munlier ol votes polled by the next candidate in t!1,! The following is a comparative

t sibli*: — 1919 1922 majority majority Hon J. it. Coates ... ;t.291 2.413 Wight Hon W3,030 2,08!) Hon C. '’an1,854 1,495 [Ton D. H. Gutlirio . 1,843 4*2 Sir H. H. llhodes .... i 49 i •') 1 Hon W. Noswortliv .. 1,493 1,314 Hon E. P. Lee — Hnn (>. .1. Anderson 1.270 1.004 Hon W. 1). Stewart 2,-121 1,002 —Minority.