THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

Marlborough Express, Volume LXII, Issue 269, 15 November 1928, Page 4

THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

The outcome of the General Election is nothing less than sensational. A political revolution has occurred, and the end of it is not yet in sight. The Government has been snbjected to an overwhelming defeat, in dramatic contrast with the wonderful result of the wave of enthusiasm which gave Mr Coates in 1925 a historic majority. Such a reversal v;as quite un.expe.eted throughout. the Dominion, though it was anticipated that the returns would show seme waning of popularity. On the latest information the Government has been reduced from 53 to 28 seats; the United Party has an equal numberj and the Labor Patry has had an aceess of strength, now commahding 20 seats. The remaining f our seats are held by Independents. The meteorie rise of the United Party, which eame into being only a few months ago on the rnined foundation of the old Liberal Party, is an outstanding feature of Ihe election, and, thougli we advocated the return of the Coates Government for the sake of stability, we must recognise, witn not a little' symapthy, that the new Party owes much of its sUccess to the political mana of Sir Joseph Ward, whose name still inspires reSpect and confidence among a wide section of the electors. Sir Joseph has been m.ost strikingly vindicated after spending a period of sixteen years in the wilderness. A stat.e of uncertainty prevails, but the appearances are that Sir Joseph Ward will be the next Prime Minister, either through an access of strength hy the association of sympathisers in the Reform Party, or through a dissolution, which, after his pronounced success of yesterday, would enable him to sweep the country from Auckland to Bluff.