Victorian Premier Beaten In Saturday’s Poll

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 267, 12 November 1945, Page 5

Victorian Premier Beaten In Saturday’s Poll

(By Telegraph—Press Assn.— Copyrlgbt.>, ' Received Sunday 7.46 p.m. MELBOURNE, Nov. U. Although Labour’s bid to obtain a clear majority in the Victorian elections appears to have failed, the party has increased its strength in the new House by probably five seats. A Labour Government is probable but by no means certain following yesterday’s general election. Three rebel Liberals and one or two Independents will hold the balance of power whichever party assumes office. When the counting ceased at midnight the indications were that the party strength would be as follows: Labour 30 United Country Party 18 Liberals .. 10 Breakaway Liberals 3 Independent l In addition, three seats are doubtfuL Of these it is possible for Labour or the Liberals to win two and an Independent one. The Labour leader (Mr. Cain) said lie was hopeful his party would he able to form a Government, but he was waiting until the position was clearer before announcing what line of action could be taken by Labour. The surprise so far is the defeat of the present Premier (Mr. MacFarlan), and his Minister of Health (Mr. Haworth) and the Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Cumming). The Minister of Education (Mr. Hollins, Independent) i* likely to lose his seat to Labour. Only three of the six Liberal breakaways appear likely to hold their ee&te and these by narrow margins. Major W. Ruthven, the only Victoria Cross candidate, is likely to be euoceeeful. None of the six Communist or Beetal ist candidates won a seat.