ELECTIONS IN RHODESIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18696, 30 April 1924, Page 9

ELECTIONS IN RHODESIA.

END OF THE CAMPAIGN. THREE-CORNERED CONTEST. NO OPPOSITION - POLICY. By Telecraph— Association— (Received 5.5 p.m.) A. and N.Z. CAPETOWN, April 28. A curious position prevails in Toutuern Rhodesia, where the election campaign closes to-night. All shades of political opinion accept Sir Charles Cogtilan and his programme. The Labour Party, however, is disappointed at not having reached an agreement with the Rhodesian Party regarding association as to certain seats, and is attacking the Government violently. The Independents, while professing com - plete agreement with the Premier and 1 his prolamine, and without offering any alternative policy, are also contesting seats all along the line, on the ground that good government can only be secured by the return of a substantial Opposition. Therefore, with the exception of the Labour Party, the country is being asked to vote on the Government's policy, whether supporting the official party nominees or Independents. If' Sir Charles Coghlan is not returned with a majority, and if Labour and the Independents secure a majority they will probably have to form a Ministry. This does not appear to be appreciated by the Independents.

Southern Rhodesia was formally annexed to the King's Dominions in September, 1923. There were great popular rejoicings at Salisbury in connection with the inauguration of responsible government on October 2. After the Governor, Sir John Chancellor, had been sworn in he read a message from King George, referring to the rapid advancement of Southern Rhodesia since it came under British protection,, and paying a tribute to the Chartered Company's administration. Sir Charles Cognlan, the first Premier, then announced that the following Ministry had. been formed —Sir Chas. Coghlan, Premier and Minister for Native Affairs; Sir Francis Newton, Colonial Secretary; Mr. Flynn, Treasurer; Mr. Hudson, AttorneyGenera! ; Mr. Moffatt, Minister for Mines and Works; Mr. Leggate, Minister for Agriculture.

On October 3, 1923. the Governor opened a special session of the Southern Rhodesia Legislative Council for the purpose oE authorising the first- loan of £3,000,000, also of ratifying the agreement accepting financial responsibility as from April 1, 1923. This was to meet liabilities due to the British Government. In December last a congress of the Government Party at Salisbury decided to change the name to the Rhodesian Party. The pending general election will be the first held in Southern Rhodesia under the present Constitution.