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Otago Daily Times, Issue 22719, 4 November 1935, Page 9

THE MUNICIPAL CONTESTS LONDON, November 2. (Received Nov. 3, at 10 p.m.) The latest municipal returns show the following gains and losses: — Gains. Losses. Conservatives .. .. 50 22 Liberals .. 12 14 Labour 39 66 Independents .... 25 28 Mr Herbert Morrison declares that the results wore somewhat unexpected. The Observer expresses the opinion that the results will greatly hearten members of the Government, as Labour was cxpcctiiig to win many scats. MR MACDONALD’S COMMENT LONDON, November 2. (Received Nov. 3, at 10 p.m.) * The municipal elections have not shed much light on the greater contest ahead. They show a dour alternation of gains and losses upon the whole favourable to Labour. There were a few spectacular turnovers in which Labour was worsted. On the contrary, however, Labour pulled up in many towns. Liberals showed refreshing liveliness. Mr Ramsay MacDonald, commenting on the results, said they showed that the mass of the people were sane and not deceived by reckless promises. “ The tragedy of our time is Labour’s mishandling of the issues. The leaders ought to take a lesson and realise that the management of the party for four years has been disastrous to the movement.”