WELLINGTON NORTH ELECTION

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 357, 5 March 1918, Page 2

WELLINGTON NORTH ELECTION

The result of the Wellington North election can only be accepted as an indication that the National Government is losing the confidence of the country. True it is that Mr J. P. Luke, the Government nominee, has been returned, his total votes being 2986, but nevertheless despite keen activity on Mr Luke's behalf by both the Prime Minister (Mr Massey) and Sir Joseph Ward, Mr Luke only had a majority of 420 over Mr E. L. Holland, the Socialist candidate, whose figures were 2566, whilst Mr Brandon and Mr Poison polled 816 and 720 votes respectively. In effect therefore more votes were cast against the Government than in its favour. At the same time it can be take# for granted that the support as accorded to Mr Holland was not for the most part given as in sympathy with his socialistic views but rather in recognition that lie was the strongest of the trio that were opposed to Mr Luke and thus that if the Government was to receive a hint that its administration was being deemed capable of improve-

ment Mr Holland was the candidate to be voted for. The causes that have led up to distrust of Government methods are many and various, but the Motuihi incident and the passive indifference displayed to the public demand for all alien enemies resident in New Zealand to be interned can be regarded as the chief factors that are operating in the minds of the electors of the country. The Government is undoubtedly faced by formidable opposition in many quarters and when the general election takes place various changes in its personnel are not unlikely to be effected.