FEDERAL ELECTION

Grey River Argus, 1 August 1934, Page 3

FEDERAL ELECTION

POLLS IN SEPTEMBER. SYDNEY, July 5. The decision of the Federal Government to hold the general election some months before it is actually due came as a surprise. True, the possibilitv of an early election had been freelydiscussed, but close observers failed to find any reason why Parliament should not be allowed to last for the full term. It is clear that a change of attitude by the Country Party had more to do with the Prime Minister’s decision than anything else. The position now is that the Country Party and the United Australia 'Party have agreed to a basis for general co-operation, and having done so it is well that an appeal should be made to the country on the policy that -will be laid down by both of them in consultation. For months it appeared that the two parties in opposition to Labour would never mix. The Country Party was bitter because it had not had all its own way and had accused the Prime Minister of breaking election pledges —accusations which it would be difficult to substantiate. Conferences were held during the week-end, and it was announced that an agreement was imminent. It is not likely that three-cornered contests will be avoided in all electorates, but there will e a definite exchange of preferences, which will mean practically the same thing. The chaotic state of Labour organisation at present was also an important factor making for an early appeal to the people. The Lang Labour Party has by no means completed its plans for entry into the State beyond New South Wales.. The Federal Labour Party knows that the Lang Party is quite unprepared for a country-wide campaign. As a matter of fact, the Lang plans were only in the making, and preliminary delegations to Victoria and South Australia had not met with a great deal of success. If Labour is to come into power in the Federal sphere it will have to win at least 20 seats in order to secure a majority of one. Mr. Lyons may be returned to power, but it is certain that his majority will he reduced.

The elections, which are to take place on September 15, will he held under new boundaries, and these make the position more difficult for those who are inclined to indulge in forecasts. So great have been the changes in some of the electorates that the prospects must remain in doubt until the final figures go up. In several seats in New r South Wales the Labour position will be improved.