GREAT REFORM VICTORY

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 72, 18 December 1919, Page 10

GREAT REFORM VICTORY

.SIR- JOSEPH WARD LOSES HIS SEAT ■Ml 0F SI JAMES CARBQUL AND ft G. W. RUSSELL

REFORM .. 48 LIBERAL ... 19. OFFICIAL LABOUR ... 8 INDEPENDENT LABOUR . . . 3 INDEPENDENT ... 2

The general election that took place yesterday was probably the most momentous ever held in New Zealand. Five years and one week had elapsed since the general election of 1914. During the interval the great war had been fought and won, new national problem's had been created, old issues had been blurred, and tens of thousands of new voters had been added to the rolls. The changed conditions, the rise of new issues and

the bid made by the Labour Party for political power were factors that gave exceptional interest, andJmportance_J,o the contest. The result of the election was a victory for the Reform Party, headed by the Bight Hon.. AV. F. Massey. The victory was one of the most definite.and emphatic ever scored in New Zealand, and as far as Wellington was concerned it undoubtedly was popular. Thero, were

notable scenes of enthusiasm in the streets last) night as he returns appeared on the, newspaper hoardings. The extent of the Reform victory became apparent gradually, and the supporters of the Government made loud demonstrations of their approval as the later figures appeared. The final returns were not available in all electorates up to the timo of going to press. Later returns, including absent voters' permits, may affect the results in some cases. The strength of

parties, according to the returns already available, is as follows:— Government 48 Opposition 19 Official Labour 8 Independent Labour 3 Independents '. 2 Totals 80 These figures include the four Maori electorates, where the results of the elections have already ben announced.