WELLINGTON TOPICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 December 1922, Page 1

WELLINGTON TOPICS.

GENERAL ELECTION. OFFICIAL COUNTS. SPECIAL TO GU AUDI AN. WELLINGTON, Dec. 13 The recounts and absent votes seem likely to make little difference in the relative positions of the candidates and the parties at the general election. Mr MacPherson is now leading the Minister of Justice by seven votes at Oamarn and with only twenty votes to be counted his return appears to be fairly well assured. His success would mean tho reduction ol the numerical strength of tbe Reform Party to thirty-six or thirty-seven and leave it dependent upon the goodwill of the Liberals for tbe retention of office. There still is much talk of a number of Liberals “crossing over the floor of the House,” and of their leader being put out of action by being elevated to tbe Speakership, but it certainly has not been inspired by Mr .Massey or encouraged by Mr Wilford. The newspapers alone are responsible for tlio suggestions and, speaking generally, the public has not received them with much favour. It is recognised that the electors are the people to lie consulted, and that members crossing over without their approval would be inviting political extinction. THE LABOUR MANIFESTO.

No one will grudge the Labour Party the satisfaction it is obtaining from its increased representation in Parliament. Tt fought a good strenuous fight and on tbe whole fought it fairly and well. But the author of its manifesto soars into somewhat dizzy heights in bis recital of its achievements. “The attitude of the Labour members on the Near East crisis,” be says, “lias met with approval at all meetings, and the striking confirmation given to their opposition to war by subsequent events has convinced many people as to the knowledge and foresight of the Labour group in the last Parliament. Tbe inspiring success of the British Labour Party was due to tbe declaration of a like policy to that of the New Zealand Labour Party.” It is extravagant claims of this 'kind, and the unpleasant suggestions they contain, which impel many progressive people to look askance at the Labour Party and to wonder whither Air Holland and his associates would lead the Dominion had they their way. The really significant fact concerning Labour in the figures ol the recent election is the strong _ hold it lias obtained on the city coustituenTHE REFORM VIEW

The “Dominion” this morning lakes the 'manifesto’ quite seriously and explains why there is little occasion for the “extreme Labour rejoicings.” “With circumstances playing into its hands in a way that is not likely to he repeated for a very long time to come.” it says, “extreme Labour contrived to capture less than one-fourth of the seats in the House of Representatives. This is the splendid success to which the party refers in a statement, just issued and on which it bases inflated and ambitious hopes.” Then passing on to a more precise examination of the situation, incidentally quoting the “horrid example” of Queensland, the “Dominion” reaches an optimistic conclusion. “With these facts in plain sight," it says, “and taking account of the exceptional circumstances of the late election, it may he believed that the rejoicings and hopes in which the extreme Labour Party is at present indulging rest upon a very insecure foundation.” All this is scarcely consistent with the clamour that is being raised for the Liberals to efface themselves by fusing with the Reformers, hut it is gratifying to learn from such a source that there is no serious peril ahead. THE LIBERAL PARTY.

The announcement from ( hristchuroll made in the local papers this morning to the effect that a meeting of Mr AVilford’s followers will be bold here to-day infers rather too much from the trip tho Hon D. Buddo and Mr George Forbes are making to Wellington to confer with the leader of the Liberal opposition. Mr Vi ilford, while keeping in touch with the other Liberal members of the now House, is iu no liurrv to summons them to Wellington before there is .something tangible to discuss. This may mean a delay of some weeks, possibly some months. The next move, as Mr Milford already lias said, rests with tbe Prime Minister, who is entitled to ample time to consult with his colleagues and to ascertain the .precise position. It is conceivable that Mr Massey, even iT shown to be in a minority, might elect to meet, Parliament. before deciding upon l.i® iiiljorf .action. There is precedent. f"F ijijjHy 'course and even for postponing Iff!' meeting of Parliament to tbe usual time. In any ease Mr Wilford is going to await developments, as lie lias put it to inquirers, and leave the Government to attend to ils own job.