THE FEDERAL'ELECTIONS.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVII, Issue 139, 14 June 1913, Page 5

THE FEDERAL'ELECTIONS.

FATE OF THE GOVERNMENT.

DEPENDS ON THE HUME SEAT.

A PECULIAR POSITTON.

' [Pbese Association.] (Received June 14^9.45 a.m.) SYDNEY, June 14. If the-final figures give the Hume seat to Sir William Lyne the Federal Government will remain in office, lr not, the Government will resign. In the event of Sir WM^ni Lyne's return a peculiar position will be created. His state of health may possibly prevent his attending Parliament. The parties will then be equally divided, and neither will be able to do anything without the indulgence of the other. The reason for the delay m the Hume returns is that the electoral officer, departing from the usual custom, is verifying all absent votes before" counting them. Ballarat asks fort a recount. There are many complaints of possible trouble regarding the conditions at the poll recorded in several other electorates.

Mr Gook, addressing the Women's Liberal League, said that no matter how Labor twisted the figures about they were in a minority of one. Whatever happened the power of Labor was "scotched." There would be no stable footing in Australia, till the Liberals had a. fair clear stand-up fight witih Labor, with every interest at stake. When that time would come he did not pretend to know, but he advised them to keep their powder dry. The whole electoral machinery would need overhauling for 'the next election, so as to,give a.fair field and no favor. —*• LEEDS STRIKE AT AN END.