COMMONWEALTH ELECTIONS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 6, 7 June 1913, Page 5

COMMONWEALTH ELECTIONS

LIBERAL MAJORITY OP ONE. REFERENDA PROBABLY DEFEATED. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright Sydney, June 6. The counting of absentee votes so far as it has proceeded leaves the position of parties unaltered. It is estimated at: Liberals 38, Labor 35, doubtful 2. Labor is leading by 143 at lUawarra and 71 at Ballarat. ■-'-'.■*■• The referenda position has altered, the Noes having a majority in Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania* The Noes have also a majority over the whole Commonwealth. Mr. Fisher, referring to the political position in a speech on his arrival at the«railway station, said: "I shall at present remain silent. What will be the outcome I don't know." It is reported that the Cabinet will meet to review the position early next week.

THE LATEST RETURNS. STILL SOMEWHAT CHAOTIC. within striking distance of Mr. McKissick, Sydney, June <5. The .only variation in the position is that Labor has slightly increased. its leads at Hlawarra and Ballarat. Mr., Nicholl, a Victorian Senator, has crept within striking distance of Mr McKessick, , the lowest Laborite, and- the Noes have strengthened their position on the referenda. It is pretty well accepted by both sides now that Labor will win Hlawarra and Ballarat, giving the Liberals a majority of one in the House, and that the Liberals will win at least six seats in the Senate. These will leave Labor twelve, which, added to 18 who hold unvacated seats, will make the new Senate: Labor 30, Liberal 6. The disturbing factor of uncounted absent votes has, however to be reckoned with for Bome days yet. Mr. Fisher consulted some of his colleagues to-day, but pending the final returns nothing has been decided. Cabinet will meet on Thursday, and there will be a caucus on Friday.