ELECTIONS IN JAPAN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20959, 24 February 1930, Page 9

ELECTIONS IN JAPAN

GOVERNMENT PARTY LEADING. (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) TOKIO, February 21. The election returns show that the Government Party is leading strongly. THE GOVERNMENT SAFE. ABSOLUTE MAJORITY ASSURED. TOKIO, February 22. (Received Feb. 23, at 5.5 p.m.) There are indications that the Government will have an absolute majority and the state of the parties at present is;— Minaeito 82, Seiyukai 48, others 16. Proletarian hopes are dwindling and prominent Labourites, Abe and Suzuki, have been surprisingly defeated. Unluckily for them they were pitted against-very strong opponents. A noted social worker, Kagawa, was unsuccessful.

A later message states that the Government’s victorious march continues, and an absolute majority is considered certain, although- the Seiyukai expect a better showing in the country returns, which will come in to-morrow.

Labour’s defeat, is remarkable. Osaka, the largest industrial centre, elected only one out of 12 candidates, Tokio two, and Kyoto none. A former Minister and speaker, Mr Motoda, who has been a member continuously since the Diet was inaugurated in 188$, is among the few prominent men who have been defeated. .

The state of the parties now is: Minseito 115, Seiyukai 75, Labour 6/ others S.

AN OVERWHELMING MAJORITY. TOKIO, February 23. (Received Feb. 23, at 5,5 p.m.) The Government has secured an overwhelming majority, the state of parties being as follows: Minseito .. .. ~ 264 Seiyukai 166 Others 19 The returns from 17 outlying dependencies have not been received.