FEDERAL ELECTIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 December 1922, Page 5

FEDERAL ELECTIONS.

STATE OF PARTIES. PRESS FORECAST. REMARKABLE APATHY. . ■ ■ By Telegraph.—Press Auen.—CDOTTriftSft. Sydney, Dec. 18. The present indefiniteness of the position and the possibilities from preference votes are indicated Iby the Morning Herald’s summary results to date, which gives the Nationalist* 25 seats, Labor 22, the 'Country Party 8, Liberals 2, doubtful 18. The Daily Telegraph contents itself with predicting the new House will consist of Nationalists 31, Labor 30, the Country Party 10, Liberals 3, Independent 1. The latest figures have considerably improved the position of Messrs. Johnson and Massey Green, but Mr. Poynton is still a long way in the rear. Mr. Higgs appears to be beaten. The Liberals’ hopes are badly crushed with poor chances that later returnwill improve matters much. For the three Westralian seats in the Senate a La'borite and two Nationalists are leading. The Herald attributes the apathy of the electors and the permitting of Labor gains to the idiotic and ill-founded antipathy between the Nationalist and Country parties, causing disgust among their supporters. The paper says that, unless the Country Party is prepared to give support to Mr. Hughes, he had better put the matter to the test early and again appeal to the country. The Telegraph says the real fight was between Socialism, anti-Socialism, and, Socialism having been routed, only the folly of the anti-Socialist parties themselves in the new House can rob them of the fruits of victory. The Melbourne Age says the new Parliament will consist of four parties, and the dictatorship of one man with a narrow but docile majority is no longer possible. The paper expects Mr. Hughes to resign without meeting Parliament.

One of the outstanding features of the polling was the remarkable apathy disclosed by the results to hand. The chief electoral officer is astounded. He says that never was such a small percentage polled within his recollection. There will be very little in excess of 50 per cent., against 75 per cent, at the last election.

The figures are still too indefinite to determine the probable state of parties, which is largely dependent on the distribution of the- preference votes. These will not be counted until the postal and absentee votes are received, which will defer finality for the greater part of a week. The nomadic vote is regarded as likely to give most support to the Country Party candidates, as rural life compels frequent absence from home. Both the Nationalist and Labor leaders claim the strongest party in the new Parliament, but the figures to date indicates that Labor, with over 30 members, will have the distinction. ■Speculation has also commenced regarding the possibilities of a liaison between the 'Nationalist and Country Parties but, juding by the bitter comment exchanged by both leaders on the progress results, the alliance does not look to have rosy chances under present conditions.

It is suggested in some quarters that the Country Party would support the Nationalist’ Party' with a new leader, otherwise it will give trouble till a fresh election is ordered. Received Dec. 18, 9.45 p.m.

Sydney, Dec. 18. The latest election figures do not materially alter the position of parties.