Manawatu Herald TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1919. HOW WILL THE LIBERALS VOTE?

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 2062, 2 December 1919, Page 2

Manawatu Herald TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1919. HOW WILL THE LIBERALS VOTE?

LIBERAL supporters in lids (Alauawatu) electorate are faced with a dilemma. There i- no Libera! candidate. Their choice a, either, to support (he Government or Labour candidate. Air .Massey has made it quite clear that between extreme Labour and Reform there exists an impassable-barrier, and, rat her than his Government should he dependent upon the votes of the'extremists to carry on he would give up the reins of office. That’s plain and straight. Air Holland, leader of the Labour organisation, says that his Party would support the Liberals on a vote of no-conlidenee against Mr Massey, and would- be prepared to assist Sir Joseph Ward to carry on —at a price. The Liberal leader, so far.as wo know, has not committed' himself as to what attitude he would adopt in such circumstances, but we cannot believe he would sanction such a : compromise. The chances are that, should the two Parties bo evenly divided a coalition .Government would be set up, which would exclude extreme Labour. This is, of course, in the realm of speculation. Mr Alassey is confident, however, that the ■country will give him a working majority, and Sir Joseph Ward is equally confident Unit the Hag of Liberalism will float aloft after the election. If the Liberal electors of Manawatu throw in their lot with Labour it is open to question whether they will be assisting Sir Joseph Ward, for Labour lias declared against both parties, but prefers Liberalism as the lesser of ‘Two evils.” A great deal will, therefore, depend upon the personalities of the two candidates. Air Newman is well known to the electors, and is prepared to support beneiicial legislation, independent of Party. The only objection we have heard against his candidature is that he is not a resident in the constituency, and that he .should have contested Rangitikei. A large 'portion of his old constituency has been merged into the Manawatu, so that he is in touch-with district requirements. He also-represented Foxton* when the negotiations were going

forward in conned ion with the port. This objection is not worth serious consideration. Mr Hillier, allhougli an out and out supporter of the Labour ~ organisation, is anything but a (ire-brand.- Ilis public utterances ha ve won for Him many friends and 'Supporters, and (here is no doubt that he will gather up. tho irreconcilable Liberals. however, incline to the belief that Mr Newman will secure a majority of the Liberal votes, and if our opinion is correct, then his return is assured.