N.S.W. LEGISLATURE

Hokitika Guardian, 15 May 1933, Page 5

N.S.W. LEGISLATURE

A REFERENDUM

AFFIRMATIVE MAJORITY 20,90 u.

(Australian Press issociation.)

SYDNEY. May 14

It is expected that the New South Wale*, referendum for the reform of tlie Legislative Council will be carried by a fairly .substantial ma jority, according to a final progress count, shortly after midnight, when the votes in favour of the Relorm Rill totalled 635,667, while those against totalled 614,746, showing the ■affirmative majority of 20,921.

The Premier and Ministers state they are delighted at the result, although at an earlier stage it wa s anticipated that, at least there would be 100,000 of a majority.

It is now estimated that the outstanding ordinary postal and absent votes remaining to ho chocked will not exceed .70,000.

The Government expect® that, as these are mostly in the country, its final majority will be in the vicinity

of 30,000,

Practically the whole of the Sydney city votes have been counted. These votes substantially went againgt the Government, thus revealing a pronounced swing to- the side of Labour since the last general election, nearly twelve months ago, The country ...pij,; t.he othe r voted affirmative,.,.-,and. in some-- electorates ‘by more than three to one; but in most cases two to one

The manner in which the totals fluctuated from 9 p.in. to midnight last night wias most exciting, victory and defeat frequently hanging in the balance.

At 11 p.m. the Government had a majority of 48,000, and the Premier broadcasting at that hour, announced that the Government expected that their final majority would be at lea s t 100,000 (votes.

However, the next check, only half an hour later, had reduced ■ the majority to only 18,000, the coalfield s robes having the effect of swinging the' totals completely in the other direction.' •: ■By the time the counting ceased thg Government began to make fresh headway, consequent o n the arrival of country votes, ... where the issue was regarded :a.s beyond doubt, leaving the affirmative vote at the cessation of counting in a majority of 20,921.

The total voters on the roll is 1,476,197. It is believed ninety-two per cent, of the vote s will., have been recorded, as voting was compulsory. The electors were asked to. vote on the simple 'question, ' ‘‘yes’- or “no,’ “namely are you - in; favour, of the Constitution Amendment Act?”.; The Preiiner broadcasting, said he regarded tlie issue beyond doubt.. He expected the . affirmative majority to be at least 30.000. He claimed: “This is a remarkable tribute to the sanity and reasonableness of the people of this great State. I regard the result with the utmost satisfaction. The Government will go straight ahead in giving effect to the people’® will for a new elective second chamber which will safeguard the rights of democracy, and promote stability and prosperity.” Mr Lang expressed the opinion that the final result will be extremely close, thus revealing a significant change in public opinion since last election. He is doubtful whether the Government will b« nble to claim victory from 'this referendum. It seemed more like a moral victory for labour.

REASON FOR CLOSE 'VOTING

.SPECULATION IN SYDNEY,

(Received this •.dav’.at 9.30 a.mj -;.r ■ ■' (SYDNEY, May 15. v

There is a goiM ->deal of speculation among friend* of the Government why yesterday’s referendum vote was eo close having regard to the Government’s decisive victory at last general election. It 'is explained apart from the difficulty of carrying the referendum, and the occasion especially upon a constitutional question, quite a larue section of the Government’s supporters disagreed with the method whereby the Government propose* to elect members of the reformed Legislative Council, preferring they should be -elected by the popular vote of the people Similar to the Assembly instead of by Parliament itself. It was intended, however, that Minister* regard it as ;n, tribute to their honest of purpose, that the referendum be carried, be the majority ever small; having regard to the misrepresentation indulged in by political opponent* prior to polling.