GENERAL ELECTION

Hokitika Guardian, 17 November 1928, Page 5

GENERAL ELECTION

AIR ATAIORE’S OPINION

[ My Telegraph, Per Press Association.]

NELSON, Nov. 16

Interviewed to-day, Mr Atmore (Independent) expressed the utmost confidence in Sir Joseph Ward’s ability to secure a requisite majority. It was inconceivable. lie said, that Air Coates would ally himself with Mr Holland, and the alternative to moderate Reformers giving support to the Liberal Leader, on “no confidence” motions, would be another election, which in view of Wednesday’s experience, Mr Coates dare not face. Another appeal to the constituencies by Air Coates, would in the opinion of many competent critics, expose his party to the risk of annihilation and this fact would be recognised by all Reform politicians. Sir Joseph Ward is master of the situation, and unless Reform and Air Holland combined—a most unlikely contingency—lie can demand the necessary support which must be forthcoming through fear of alternative. Referring to Air Holland’s opinion that Sir Joseph Ward could only hold office at the will of the Labour Party, Air Atmore said he must express most emphatic dissent. Air Coates had so frequently stated that in his opinion there was no real difference between Reform and Liberal that on his own showing, moderate Reformers, not necessarily Air Coates or any of the present undefeated Ministers must support the United Party, either through adherence' to principle, or through fear of facing the alternative of another election.

LONDON “TIMES” CO A INTENT

(Times Service)

LONDON. Nov. 16

The “Times” describes the position in Now Zealand as one nobody foresaw and few intended. Afr Coates’ loss of popularity was due to a number of small but accumulating grievances. The United Party was not popular or significant in itself but. it does provide a momentarily singularly safe way of hitting at Die Government without injuring the country. The editorial suggests that Air Coates maiv offer vacant portfolios to the United Pa’tv in the hope of mitigating long standing rancours and assuring a long continuance of office, faced only by twenty Labourites, or retire, but the reluctance of elected members to risk a new election may prove a powerful force towards accommodation.

ELECTION RETURN. ASIIRCRTON. November 17. After I ‘2d valid postal votes had been allocated D. .Tones (R.) is 3,948. Connolly (U.) 3.80(5, Wightman 222, Williams 839. Fifty-one declaration and more than 530 absentee votes are outstanding. HAWERA, Nov. 17. The count of absentee votes for Fatea gives Dickie (Reform), a majority of 189 with 25 votes yet to he counted.

PREVIOUS ELECTIONS

STRENGTH OF PARTIES.

The strength of parties after the genera! elections of 1911, 1914, 1919, 1922 and 1920 was as follows:

±IIU. JjilU. Following tlio 1925 election Reform lost two ami Labour gained two a? a result of by-elections.

15)11. 1914. 1919. 1922. : L925 Ho form 39 41 47 38 55 Liberal 3G 33 18 23 2 Nationalist — — — — 10 La l)o ur 4 6 8 17 12 Iiulepoml’t 1 — 4 2 1 Tnrl T,nl>. — 3 — — *