State Election In Victoria Unlikely To Resolve Deadlock

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27389, 15 May 1950, Page 5

State Election In Victoria Unlikely To Resolve Deadlock

New Zealand Press Association—Copyright Rec. 7.50 p.m. MELBOURNE, May 14.. Observers agree that in spite of a slight Labour gain, the position of a deadlock is likely to continue as a result of the Victorian State election. The Liberal-Country Party will remain the largest party, with 27 to 29 seats in the Legislative Assembly of 65 seats. Previously the Liberal-Country Party governed with 30 seats while Labour and the Country Party each held 16. It appears as if Labour will gain six or possibly nine seats and that the Country Party will lose at least three and possibly five. The two “rebel” members of the Government, Mr F. L. Edmunds and Mr J. S. Lechte, are certain to be beaten.

The Premier, Mr T. T. Hollway, who himself was closely pressed by the Labour candidate, said after the first results were made known that his Government would meet in Parliament and rely on the good sense of the'Country Party to support the progressive measures that would be brought in. It is apparent that he

still hopes for a reconciliation between the Liberal-Country Party and the rest of the Country Party which, in the last Parliament crossed the floor into the Opposition. On the incomplete counts it appears that the Government will lose five seats to Labour, but will gain two from the Country Party and two from the “ rebels.”