RESULT OF THE ELECTIONS.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 10478, 7 December 1896, Page 2

RESULT OF THE ELECTIONS.

Our estimate of tbe strength of parties given in Saturday's issue has to be slightly revised, as later returns placed Mr O'Moarn at the head in Pnhiatua, and Mr T. B. Taylor replaces Mr Gollina in Christohuroh. This leaves tho Government with 39 supporters, if we credit Mr Pirani and several othera who are likely to kiok over the troceq to that party. The Opposition have 26 certain votes, and five Independents make up tbe total of 70 European members. Of the doubtfuls three are likely to range themselves on the side of the Opposition, while two will probably be foftnd voting with the Government. Tho four Maori seats ara almost ttertain to be equally divided, two going to the Government ana two to the Opposition. If this estimate be correct the strength of tbe parties on a direot iasue (fisauming Sir Maurice O'Eorka to be reeleotad Speaker) would be :—Government, 43 ; Oppoaltion, 31. But Minlators have loatnearly the whole of their "dumb dog" following, and with such oritios as Mr Pirani and Mr Holland within their ranks they will not be able to do ss they like. The present House would never sanction suoh a soandal ag the Praser appointment and many other jobs whioh th« last House tolerated. The Government will have a working majority, and that ia better than an almost evenly divided House, but Mr Seddon'a wings are clipped, and he will have to mind his p's and q's in a manner to whioh be is not acoustomed if be wishes to get through the next three sessions still on the Treasury benohes. On the whole, though we have to regret the retirement of Mr Duthie and Mr Bell and the defeat of Dr. Newman and Mr Mitchelaon, the new House is immeasurably superior to the last. We have baok Mr Scobie Maokenzie, Mr Eolloaton, Mr Moore, Mr Wason, Mr B. G. Wright, and Mr Monk, all old Parliamentarians with good records, while amons; tbe newly elected members Mr K. D. D. M'Lean, Mr Hunter, and others are in every way superior to the men they replaoe. On the whole, we believe, the oonntry will have eanse for satisfaction at the result of the eleotions.