POLITICAL CRISIS

Hokitika Guardian, 19 November 1928, Page 6

POLITICAL CRISIS

ST.R JOSEPH AYARD

[By Telegraph, Per Press Association.]

AVELLINGTON, Nov. 17

.Sir Joseph Ward returned from the South to-day. He was welcomed, on arrival, iby a number oi political friends and supporters, and left shortly afterwards for his residence, Heretaunga.

In a statement to the “Post,” lie said he expected to hear as soon as the final results were known on Wednesday morning or Thursday next, that the Reform Government had tendered its resignation. That was, ol course, a matter under the control of th.e Prime Minister, “but with my knowledge of what is usual in a political crisis .such as this,” said Sir Joseph Ward, “the position seems to he clear. It is obvious that the Government is in a minority in lespect to elected members, and that it cannot expect J-lis Excellency to accept their advice under the circumstances. Personally, I am in no way attempting to interfere, since it is not for me to do so, but I a,m speaking on the basis of what people know from ond to end of the country, namely, that the Government is in the minority as the result of the decision of the people, and no country can he governed hv a minority. W hat the future outcome of the situation may be, that is, of course, in the lap of the gods.” Sir Joseph stated that during the past few weeks, and especially, since the result of the elections, lie had received an enormous amount of coiiospondence by letter and telegram. So great had been the volume he had not been able to deal with it. He hoped, however, soon to arrange for the assistance of a. stall to enable him to nply to those who had so kindly sent their congratulations. ' ff ' estimated it would take several weeks to overtake the arrears, and. in the meantime. ho asked correspondents to excuse him for the unavoidable delay.

INDEFINITE SEATS

CHRISTCHURCH, Nov. 17

The count ol postal votes in Riccaiton has put Mr Kyle, the Reform candidate. in the lead again. The totals now are:— Kyle 4280 McLaehlaii 4287 Thomson 1*579 There are still 521 absent votes to he Counted.

ERROR IN COUNTING

HASTINGS. Nov. 17

Through the discovery of an erro>' in flic counting at one booth, H. M. Campbell's (R.) majority increased from 170 to (i?,9. The absentee and postal votes arc not yet counted. ASMBURTON POSTAL VOTES. ASHBURTON, Nov. 17. After 12d valid postal votes had been allocated, the figures were:— Jones (R) 3018 Connolly (U) 381)0 Wightman (I) 222 Williams (L) 839 Fifty-one declaration and more than 530 absentee votes are outstanding.