POLITICAL TREND

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23817, 19 November 1940, Page 9

POLITICAL TREND

RESULT IN WAIPAWA SIGNIFICANCE DISCOUNTED PRIME MINISTER'S CLAIMS [BY TELEGIIAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Monday "I do not attach much political significance to it," said the Prune Minister, the Jtt. Hon. P. Fraser. today when commenting on the result of the Waipawa bv-election on Saturday. The National Party retained tho seat by an increased majority, the voting being: Mr. C. G. K. Harker (National), 46.'30; Mr. H. M. Christie (Labour), 2974. "All that can be said is that Labour has not improved its position in Waipawa since tho last election," continued Mr. Fraser. The result indicated that in a historically conservative constituency a . substantial majority was still opposed to the Labour Government. but, he said, this did not indicate any swing of popular feeling against the Labour Government and no one could claim that a typically conservative seat, held by a National member. could be a fair test. A fair test of public opinion would be in an electorate held by Labour. While Mr. Christie's vote showed a decline from that obtained in 1938, a scrutiny of the previous election figures, when Labour swept the country, showed that in Waipawa substantially the same position existed. Mr. Fraser concluded by declaring that in any case the Government proposed to proceed with its essential measures in connection with the war effort and payment of war expenses while at the same time endeavouring to maintain the social and economic standards of the people. "It is quite prepared to leave it to the verdict of the country," be said, "and, personally, 1 hare no doubt as to the people's final decision." Mr. Fraser added his appreciation of the work of Labour supporters in Waipawa and the fight put up by Mr. Christie.