THE ONLY SOLUTION.

Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 299, 16 December 1911, Page 8

THE ONLY SOLUTION.

SECOND. ELECTION INEVITABLE. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) CHRISTCHCBCH, this day. Opinion in local political circles has hardened to the view that a second election is the only feasible solution of the problem created by the results of Thursday’s balloting, and it seems apparent that neither Sir Joseph Ward nor Mr. Massey can hold office without the support of the little Labour caucus that is going to come into being in the new House. "What will the Labour members do?” a local leader of the workers was asked. "They will fight for the interests of their own party,” was the reply; they will pledge themselves to none, but I have no doubt they would vote with Sir Joseph Ward more often than with Mr. Massey. I think that very probably they would stand j out on a want-o 1-confidence motion at j the beginning of the session.” j A politician who is in close touch | with the Liberal party expressed a: similar opinion. He said that the Gov-, crr.ment could not bold office without; a clear majority of Hs own, unless j Labour would enter into a definite alliance, and this seemed improbable. The possession of the portfolio of Labour by Mr. William Fraser would be a decisive factor, according to local opinion, in moving the La'bour members into the Other camp. The idea of Mr. R. Rhodes succeeding Sir Joseph Ward as Post-master-General makes Canterbury gasp. SOUTHERN RETURNSLATEST FIGURES AND ANTICIPATION. (By Telegraph.— press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. It is imppssible to declare the results of the second ballot so far as Wellington is concerned, for they can be affected by absent voters’ permits. The latest figures are: —Wellington Last; Newman, 37fib; '.McLaren, 3680. The official count for Otaki takes place on Monday. There are. 46 absent voters’ permits to come, and Robertson’s majority is 21. WELLINGTON EAST. j i WELLINGTON, this day. | In WUington East, Newman's return! is practically assured. HAWKE'S BAAL j (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) | HASTINGS, this day. j The Hawke’s Bay final figures are: j Campbell, 39.70; Snuson, 2560. Seven*... absent voters’ permits requisitioned are still outstanding. NELSON. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) NELSON, this day. The latest figures for Nelson are;— Atmore. 3808: Moffait. 2133. One return and 20 absent voters’ permits to come.