THE ELECTIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 December 1919, Page 5

THE ELECTIONS.

CORRECTED RETURNS. , The following further corrected returns were received last night: — HURUNUI. ■3. W. Forbes (s), 0 . 2913 J. 6. Armstrong, I.R. 2247 G. Gardner, I.L. .............. 347 Majoritj for Forbes .. ,31 686 No change. (1914: G. W. Forbes 3233; W. A. Banks 1747.) '

WALLACE. A. Hamilton, G 2778 J. C. Thomson (s.), 0 2743 Majority for Hamilton .. 36 Still 150 votes to be counted and 123 absent permits issued. KAIAPOI. There has been some doubt as to the* result of the Kaiapoi election, which war' given on Thursday morning as a victory for Hon. Buddo by a small majority. The actual position is as follows: — D. Jones (R;)' 2534 •Hon. D. Buddo (L.) 2467 C. M. Williams (Laib.) ..x** 1479 Majority for Jones 77. j There are 183 absent voters and 2 seamen's votes to come. 1014: D. Buddo (L.), 3806; D. Jones ,(R.), 2425. Liberal majority, 1181.

THE LIBERAL PARTY. WILL MR. MACDONALD LEAD? By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Deo. 19. Mr. Wilford, ex-Minister of Justice, speaking to a Post reporter, stated that he had telegraphed to Mr. W. D. S. IfacDptiald, who adted as leader of the party in Sir Joseph Ward's absence from New Zealand, suggesting tlftt Mr.| Mac Donald should call 1 a meeting of the Liberal Party next month to discuss the position and elect a leader. Mr. Wilford further stated that if Mr. MacDonald consented to his suggestion he intended proposing him as leader of the Liberal Party.

SYDNEY PRESS COMMENTS. Sydney, Dec. 19. The Herald, commenting on the New Zealand elections, says that, on general principles, we might have expected a pronounced swing of the political pendulum in favor of the more radical parties at the elections held since the war, but the expected has not happened. Everywhere the voter has been cautious and shown that he is not prepared to commit his destinies to the tender mercies of the extremists. The latest illustration comes from New Zealand, where the Reform Party, the most conservative of thu three New Zealand parties, has been returned with a comfortable majority at an election ■which was fought purely on the respective policies of the parties.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

SIR JOSEPH WARD. It vet remains to be seen whether the defeat of Sir Joseph Ward for the Awarua seat will mean his retirement from politics for tl),e next three years or permanently (says the Wellington Dominion). There is some talk of a safe Liberal seat being found for him in the present Parliament, and it is possible that an effort in this direction may be made. Should the Leader of the Opposition decide to abide by the decision at the polls on Wednesday last it will mean the removal for the time being at least of one of the most prominent figures in our public life over a very long period of years. Whatever may be said of his weakness as a party leader, it would be ungenerous to pass over his thirty years of service in the public life of the Dominion without acknowledgment. The fact that he has for so long retained the confidence of the people of the southern part of New Zealand is in itself a remarkable record and one on which he can look back with pride. He has held Ministerial rank for a longer period that arty man in the present Parliament, and in subordinate capacities under Mr. Ballance and Mr. Seddon did good service, more especially as Postmaster-General. His failure as a party leader and an increasing tendency to plunge' recklessly at election times and to give party interests undue prominence have gradually weakened his hold on public confidence. His absence from Parliament may serve to assist in breaking down the old artificial party divisions which were kept alive largely through his leadership and the loyalty of his followers to hisr personal claims to consideration.

SIR JAMES ALLEN li was freely rumored in New Plymouth last night that a recount bad sho\rn Sir James Allen defeated for Bruce, but no information was received by the Daily News. The latest figures are: —Sir Jas. Allen (s.), G., 289 D; J. Edie, 0., 2778; majority for Allen 118. MR. PIRANI AND REVOLUTIONARY LABOR. Mr. F. Pirani's appearance after tlie poll on Wednesday night was the signal for a great uproar—booing mingled* with cheering, the former predominating. Mr. Pirani remained unmoved, and for five minutes gazed upon the crowd and upon the result-board. Then he commenced to speak and there was another outburst of noise. He was immediately counted out, and amidst the uproar said: "Ladies and gentlemen: I thank the electors who voted for me to-day, and I thank the noble band —although a small one—of men and women who- worked for me throughout this stormy election." Although he had been beaten, he thought that the people would find, as a result of the contest, that the lessons Labor had been taught would last very long in the memories of those who thought that there was no cause worthy of sup-

port other than- Revolutionary Labor. The Labor men were leaning upon their fellows whom they were deceiving. (Uproar and clieers). "The time will come —and it is not far distant—when the people of New Zealand will see Revolutionary Labor* in its proper place," said Mr. Eirani amid cheers And general uproar. "The beast is loose to-night, but, by Jove, it will be caged when the people of New Zealand realise their responsibUitUi, Good night." (Jetri und. eUtri).