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Hokitika Guardian, 21 December 1929, Page 4

The Ilutt by-election proved a closer and more interesting contest than was expected generally. The figures reveal an interesting state of affairs. The Labour vote fell from 5,978 at the general election to 4,793 on Wednesday, a substantial decline of 1,185. The anti-Labour vote on the other hand fell only from 7283 to 7005, a drop of merely 278, which the absent votes should more than make good. It has been suggested in one instance that the large drop of 1185 on the Labour vote was due to the defection of Reform voters who on this occasion had the opportunity to vote for their own colour. The showing by Reform, however, has been disastrous to the record of the party, arid bears diit our contention that Reform made a tactical blunder in entering the fray at this juncture when the defeat of last year’s poll was so fresh in mind. It is clear now Unit the victory for Labour as appears probable in this instance by quite a narrow margin, is due to the splitting of the anti-Babour vote by Reform.', This is no|lthe first example of that course of political action, but the party is slow to leani by experience. In . all the circumstances the United candidate has done exceedingly well, and when the final count is available, should be much closer to the leader. The heaviest battalions were brought into action to assist Labour md Reform. Unfortunately the United candidate did not have the assistance of Sir Joseph Ward, and the magnetism of his personality was missing. Really the result shows that the Hutt electorate is less Labour than it was a year ago, despite all the concentration of the Labour leaders on the constituency. That appears to lie the gienoraJ indication of the political trend in New Zealand, and bears out the conclusion of the general election of last year. Tn tlie case of Mr Nash his return it is satisfactory to know, is not likely to be of material help to the extreme section of Labour, and that on the contrary, with his talents and personality he should be able to do much to hold in check the disposition of the party to adopt extreme measures in its policy. On the whole therforo the Hutt election will do something to clear the air and permit politics to settle down to the even tenor of their way once again.