BIG MARGIN

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20207, 28 March 1940, Page 5

BIG MARGIN

CANADIAN POLLS LIBERALS AGAIN FAITH OF ELECTORS WAR POLICY ENDORSED THANKS OF MR. KING "LIBERTY SAFEGUARDED" (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. March 28, 11 a.m.) OTTAWA, March 27. After one of the most bitter campaigns in Canada’s history, Mr. W. L. Mackenzie King’s Government was returned to power in yesterday's election. Though yet incomplete the returns indicate the likelihood of a

larger majority than in the last Parliament. The victory is regarded as a public endorsement of the Government’s war policies.

Mr. Mackenzie King and the members of his Cabinet were re-elected while their chief opponent, the Opposition Leadex-, Dr. R. J. Manion, was defeated with several of his lieutenants. The 'latest returns show that the Liberals won 166 seats and candidates fx-iendly towards them six while Liberals are leading in several of 24 places remaining in doubt. The National Government Party won 34 seats and lesser rivals 14. and in one district the election was defen-ed because of a candidate’s death Conservative Stronghold The Conservative Party strength was centred in Ontario, where Dr Manion’s followei-s won 15 out of 82 seats, the same number as they held before. The greatest sweep was in Que Dec where the Liberals won 61 seats and candidates favourable towai'd were returned in the remaining three The Liberals won five of 17 seats in Alberta and are leading for five others. The' New Democrats won seven compai'ed with their former 15 seats. The Liberals won all four places in Prince Edward Island, 11 of 12 in Nova Scotia and 13 of 17 in Manitoba with two in doubt. New Brunswick's 10 places were divided evently between the Liberals and the Conservatives. Comment By Leaders In a nation-wide radio address, Mr. Mackenzie King said to the voters: "You have made history and safeguarded liberty. The verdict means a vigorous united war effort.” Dr. Manion said: “The people have spoken. I have no complaints.” Dr. Manion was defeated by his Liberal opponent, Mr. Mclvoi - , in the Fort William electorate. There was a heavy ux-ban vote, but a light vote In Eastern Canada, due to the l'oads being blocked with snow'. Rain also affected the voting on the Pacific Coast. It is not expected that the soldiers’ vote, which will not be known until mid-April, will greatly alter the result. The powerful Liberal stand in Eastern Canada indicated that Dr. Manion’s National Government Party failed to carry . out the threat of sizeable gains between Pi'ince Edward- and Ontario.