AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Manawatu Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 7885, 16 December 1903, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN POLITICS.

Eve Of Election.

A Quiet Outlook.

Women Won't Face Poll*.

Eeceived December 16, 0.6 a.m.

Sydney, Last Night. The streets presented an animated appearance to-night, the test match and to-morrow's elections dividing the honours as subjects of most importance.' The newspaper offices have made great preparations for posting returns. The campaign generally has been marked by quiet, steady work. All the parties are free from bitterness and there is no excitement. It 1s difficult to make anything like a definite forecast, the various press tips being according to fiscal leaning.

The women's vote is a new and unknown factor. In spite of many and varied appeals to the women to arise tb their new responsibilities, there is ground for believing that a very considerable section will not face the polling booths. The fiscal and preferential trade issues will undoubtedly count to some extent in the Ministerialists' favour. There appears to be a fairly general opinion amongst the members of the various parties that the new Parliament will not be greatly altered. As far as New South Wales is concerned, the Ministerialists express confidence of being able to hold their own and perhaps gain a seat or two, whilst the Freetraders are hopeful of gaining two, if not three.

There is a possibility of vote-splitting telling against the Reid party. Great efforts are being made to capture Sir W. Lyne's seat. The Labour Party is well organised and confident.