FEDERAL ELECTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 21069, 31 December 1931, Page 7

FEDERAL ELECTION.

TWO MORE RETURNS. MR. FENTON RE-ELECTED. BOURKE TO MR. ANSTEY. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received December 31, 12.25 a.m.) MELBOURNE, Dec. 30. Mr. J. E. Fcnton, formerly Minister of Customs, who with Mr. -T. A. Lyons resigned from the Scull in Ministry, has been returned for Maribymong, Victoria, in the interests of the United Australia Party after a neck and neck struggle with liis Federal Labour opponent, Mr. W. J. Beckett, by the narrow majority of 417. Another Federal Labour stalwart, Mr. F. Anstey, who always hitherto lias won by a large majority, retains .the Bourke seat by a very slender margin. It is understood that the Federal Parliament will meet on February 26, when the main business will be tho validation of tlio present tariff schedule for another three months. THE NEW CABINET. COUNTRY PARTY'S DECISION. 1 DECLINED OFFER OF POSTS. * ■' (Received December 31, 1.25 a.m.) MELBOURNE, Dec. 30. What is regarded as a surprising development is that tlio United Country Party has declined office in the new Federal Cabinet now being formed by Mr. J. A. Lyons. Dr. Earle Page, Leader of the Country Party, at a conference with Mr. Lyons to-day indicated that his party would bo satisfied if it were given tho customs portfolio, as the members of the party were extremely anxious for tariff revision. Mr. Lyons replied that lie could not agree, whereupon Dr. Page assured him that the Country Party would continue its friendly relations with the United Australia Party, but would not accept any Cabinet responsibility. Mr. Lyons expressed regret at tho turn of events and said he was most anxious that the Country Party should accept office, having regard to the arrangement on which tho election was fought.