THE POLITICAL SITUATION

Otago Witness, Issue 3590, 2 January 1923, Page 25

THE POLITICAL SITUATION

TITE OAMARU SEAT. MR MACPHERSON RETURNED. OAMARU, December 21. The magisterial recount in the parliamentary election has concluded, the result being: J. A. Macpiherson (L.) 4067 Hon. E. P. Lee (R.) 4053 Informal, 61. Four more absentee votes were received, Mr Leg getting three and Mr Maepherson one. HON. E. P. LEE’S VIEWS. CHRISTCHURCH, December 22. “You know as much here as they do in Wellington as to what is likely to happen in the political world,” said the Hon. E. P. Lee in replv to a reporter’s question. Mr I.ee added that his personal opinion was that there were not many members who were anxious for a fresh elect ion, and he thought it likely that some means would be devised to render unnecessary another appeal to the country before the expiry of the three years for which members were elected. Mr Lee's suggestion was that some members would find that their political view's were somewhat elastic, and capable of adaptation to circumstances. That would remove the danger of a fresh election next year. ... It was mentioned in Labour circles in Christchurch to-day that Mr Wilford has already drafted a list of Ministers in the event of Mr Massey finding when Parliament assembles that he cannot carry op and Mr Wilford is called upon to take up the reins of government. The statement that had been circulated in Ohri stehiirch for some days that it is likely that tlie Hon. W. Downie Stewart will be a candidate for the Speakership is understood to be without any foundation in fact. THE WAITOMO SEAT. TE KUITI. December 22. Tlie magisterial recount of the votes polled in tlie Waitomo election commenced this morning. It was found impossible to complete the work before the holidays, so an adjournment was made till January 10.