STATE ELECTIONS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22107, 13 May 1935, Page 8

STATE ELECTIONS

The elections held in New South j Wales and Queensland on Saturday! gave great victories to the present, Governments. Although the Stevens j Administration in New South Wales has suffered a few losses, its strength is still more than double that of the State Labour Party led by Mr. J. T. Lang, and on present figures is one greater than the previous Lang Government. In Queensland moderate Labour, the policy of which may be compared to that of the Federal Labour Party, had an overwhelming victory, securing about two-thirds of the seat 3. Under these circumstances the elections may be taken as an endorsement of the general plan of rehabilitation which adheres to the Premiers' Plan and constitutional methods. The national importance of the New South Wales election, its Empire importance for that matter, lies in the fact that this State constitutes almost 40 per cent of the Commonwealth, in population and production. If Mr. Lang had regained power the reactions would have been felt throughout the Commonwealth, for, although on this occasion he had little to say about banking, his policy implied the same recklessness in the matter of finance as that which brought about his downfall. Ks promised to shorten progressively the working week, to increase the basic wage, to raise relief work rates by 50 per cent and to embark upon a spending programme involving £20,000,000 a year. Mr. Lang's past adventures in finance have not been forgotten by the community. During the campaign Mr. Stevens remarked that in no money market could Mr. Lang secure credit, a fact that is selfevident. Mr. Stevens aims at balancing the Budget, easing taxation and restoring salaries as finances permit, continuing relief measures while encouraging private enterprise to increase employment, and in general continuing a careful progressive policy. The verdict for Mr. Stevens, though expected, is a matter for Empire-wide congratulation. Incidentally the insignificant votes given for New Guard and Douglas Credit candidates should extinguish for good the political aspirations of these, groups. The Queensland results will not damage the confidence that is helping that State toward recovery, the position there depending mainly upon the prices for primary produce.