AUSTRALIAN ELECTIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18235, 31 October 1922, Page 7

AUSTRALIAN ELECTIONS.

THE FEDERAIi POSITION. REVIVAL OF LIBERAL PARTY. [from our own corresfondekt.] SYDNEY, Oct. 25. The Federal..elections, to take place on December 16 as the'result/of the death, by the effluxion, of time, of the present Parliament, will involve, many complexities. • The Prime Minister, Mr. Hughes, who with his • breakaway Labour ; followers formed during Uie war the Government by coalition with the old Liberal Party, is being faced with many difficulties owing to a move oh the part .of' the old Liberal Union. 'in combination with" the Australian .Country Party, to supplant him. This move has been -strongest in Victoria, where a definitfl .cp-ordi-nation on the part of the two''organisations mentioned Although they 'found' $&! ; .BVghes- ; the I war between ana the Labour Party are; anxious" how for a change of leadership. It was probably anticipation of this state of affairs that was responsible for the decision of Mr. Hughes to desert his old electorate of BendigO in Victoria, and seek a safe seat "in North Sydney. This move, described as one of weakness, has also come, in for. a good deal of condemnation. Mr. Hughes, however, still retains a good grip on the confidence of- many of ihe Nationalists in every State', and if his party is again returned to pov/er, his deposition from leadership will be a difficult matter. Mr. Hughes' personal election is regarded- as certain, although he will have the opposition of a strong independent, candidal*, Mr; A: B. Piddingtoi\, K.C., a former Koyal Commissioner, who ia tackling Mr. Hughes principally over tlTe. sugar agreement, and in connection with his action in accepting a gratuity of. £25,000 from his supporters. ' The high hopes with which Labour is going to the polls are not likely to be realised. A split has occurred in their party owing to the allegedly corrupt methods of the executive. A new party formed ,s opposing the officially selected candidates Although they may not win any seat* the* eC Tr^ a o^ B SX Party has not %a mrS Dr. Earle Page, ha* rented , ?l held out By Mr. Hughes S\fe p* This refusal being a wndestn; *?- -if "• ;/ -Huahes rather