AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 82, 6 December 1913, Page 5

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

WATT MINISTRY RESIGNS. [By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] [United Press Association.] Melbourne, December 5. The Watt Ministry has resigned. The Lieuteenant-Governor will' probably summon Mr Elmslie, the Labor leader, to form a Cabinet.

NEW SOUTH WALES ELECTION. A KEEN FIGHT. (Received 10 5 a m.) . Sydney, December C. The weather promises line for the election, and exceptionally heavy polling is anticipated. The fight wdl bo strenuous,' as both sides are well organised and' are confident. Vote splitting of both parties, more particularly on the Liberal side, complicates the issue'.' -A second ballot is anticipated in some eight electorates/ Building up hopes on the result> of the last Federal election rift caused by the formation of Mr Beeoy's new party, which will support the Country Party, and swing to some extent the Catholic, vote, the Liberals anticipate a victory. Labor, however, confidently relies on its. excellent organisation. Whichever side wins, the majority is likely riot to be large.

The iid-license supporters .are again hopeful of "drying" one of the electorates, Ai victory is doubtful owing to ' the fact that there is a keen and determined opposition by the liquor party. The question has aroused more strenuous fighting than at any previous election.

THE VICTORIAN CABINET. Melbourne, December 6.

Mr Elnislie's party consists of twenty members in a House of 65. Failing in his undertaking to form a Ministry, Mr McLeod (Leader of the Country Party) will probably be summoned. *