THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 731, 19 December 1914, Page 5

THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

TAUMARUNUI ELECTORATE. FiNAL OFFICAL COUNT. The final official count of votes polled jn the Taumarunui electorate has now been made and the official figures give Mr Jennings a majority of 205 over Mr Wilson, while Mr Sbortland polled 37 votes. The figures are —Jennings 4012, Wilson 3807. Sixty-one informal votes were recorded. In the license poll the votes recorded for license were 5974 with 2788 against, giving a majority of 18 09 cast in favour of licenss. THE PARTIES EQUAL.

The political situation has altered in a most remarkable manner and the result is still in doubt as far as party strength is concerned. As a result of the ' official resount in Hawke's Bay Dr McNab secured a small majority over the Government candidate, Mr Campbell, and on the face of things this makes the parties exactly equal with forty supporters each. However, there are still certain matters to be considered. Further investigation is to be given to the Hawke's Bay count, and a recount of the votes in Dunedin Central, where Mr Mur.ro, the Labour candidate, obtained a majority of eight over Mr Statham, the Government candidate, may possibly reverse the position. It is also stated to be somewhat uncertain as to. how the Northern Maori member, Tau Henare, will vote though he has throughout been regarded as a supporter of the Government. In the event of the results being unaltered much will depend upon the vote of the Northern Maori member. Should it go to Mr Massey th°re will be the unique case of a tie, with neither patty being in a position to elect a Speaker and carry on the business of the country. Mr Massey undoubtedly occupies the strongest position inasmuch as his following is solid, while Sir Joseph Ward has to rely upon the support of the Labour msmbers.

Pending the result of the whole of the re-counts, it is impossible to forecast what attitude may be adopted concerning the carrying on of the Government.