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Hokitika Guardian, 2 December 1932, Page 4

The result of the -'lotueka election is a well deserved compliment to the Coalition Government wldch has been grappling go disinterestedly with the country’s affairs in the effort to tide over a most difficult and trying time. 'The Labour candidate entered the field with some assurance as to victory, and to make assurance doubtly sure, the principal members of the Parliamentary parly lost no time in rushing to Mr Webb's help. Motaeka must hav e had every phase of the political situation placed before it from every angle of view, so that the electors were unusually well informed as to the import of tbs occasion. Seeing that the Labour candidate was so well supported by available political forces the position was forced on Mm Government also to aid its sta"dard-benrer. Mr Coates and Mr 'Raiv.om with c.omia of the rank and file entered the lists, and the result shows to some purpose. The Government has hod many unpleasant tasks to perform ia tli© way of reducing

wages, salaries, pensions and social services generally. Such a necessary course ha s hit many people very hard, biit the Government had Us 'duty to perform and is boldly carrying it through. The most was made* of the action of the Government in the present contest, but Motueka passed a sensible verdict oh the issue. The gilded promises of the Labour members did not convince the majority of the electors, and Motueka rose sensibly to the occasion. It would appear when all the votes are counted Labour secured about forty per cent of the poll. Twenty per cent, behind is a large percentage at a time when* Labour was confident of victory, deluded with the r’ua that the electors would revolt against the necessary economies the Government was enforcing. There is therefore much . gratification to be drawn from the result. It shows that at a time of concern the people in the majority vote sensibly, and give an adequate answer to the wiles of Labour ■seeking to win support with promises it cannot obviously perform. Motueka thas given the rest of the Dominion a lesson to conjure over.