THE FEDERAL ELECTIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13355, 8 December 1906, Page 8

THE FEDERAL ELECTIONS.

TO REG OF TH E RESULT.

A -.TRIANGULAR": FIGHT.

[BY TELKf'EAVrr. — OWN" CORRI'SI'OVOK.NT.]

Cußt-sicHCKi n. Friday.' Tv view of the tact; that ; : Australia is just now in- the throes of « general -'election : the polling taking place on Wednesday

next, a representative of the Press inter-

i viewed the Premier of Tasmania, now on J a visit to Ohristebnreh., Mr., Evans said:' "What makes it rather difficult to forecast with anything like confidence the ..re sult of jhe elections, is the fact that there is', a triangular fight going on. There arc the Deakinites. who are in favour of almost prohibitive protection, and are working in the interests of the , various large manufacturers, more especially in Victoria. Mr. Reid. who is leading,the anti-Socialist party, and who is on this occasion sinking the fiscal policy, is of opinion that he is going to win various seats now .held by -the .Socialistic .party." My own belief is

that, while the anti-.Socialistic party may

gain a few seats, the -.Labour, party, will certainly be strengthened at the coming

elections simply for the reason that they

are better organise?! than their opponents. They have given much thought alien--tion to their organisation, while The supporters of the other side, more especially the women, will not take the trouble to

go to the poll. to record their votes. Then

again the elections are being held at a time of the year when the farmers cannot, or

will not, spare the time to go any distance to vote. As far as Tasmania is concerned, I am of opinion that the position of parties will not be much altered. Under tho present conditions Ave are practically di.s-

franchised, as half our representatives support one parly, and half the other. . My strong opinion is that if the Reidites or antiSocialistic party do not win this time, the Labour party will come into power, as I

am informed personally by Mr. Reid that

this is the. last fight; lie intends making. I also believe that the Deakinites will be reduced in numbers, and consequently must hand the power over to some.other party."