A GOVERNMENT GAIN

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 17952, 2 December 1932, Page 5

A GOVERNMENT GAIN

THE MOTUEKA SEAT VICTORY FOR MR HOLYOAKE COALITION VOTE INCREASED (Parliamentary Reporter.! WELLINGTON, this day. Keen interest waa taken in political circles last evening in the progress returns of the by-election for tho Motueka seat, which resulted in a victory for the Coalition Candidate, Mr H. ,1. Holyoake, over Mr P. C. Webb, the Labor Party nominee, and the Hon. R. McKenzie, who stood as a LiberalLabor candidate. Notwithstanding the many factors militating against its popularity, the Government has, therefore, increased t.s ranks at the expenso of the Independent group. , From the earliest • returns of the polling .'Government supporters gained encouragement, the first official announcement, when less than 800 votes had been counted, giving Mr Holyoake a lead of 78 votes over Mr Webb, and an absolute majority over both his opponents. The second return gave Mr Holyoake 1344 against Mr Webb’s 1184, but when the third bulletin was issued, containing the returns from the Reefton end of the electorate, it was realised that the result was still in doubt. By this time more than' 5000 'votes had been allocated, and, Mr Holyoake now had a lead of Only 30 'The subsequent returns, I ".however, progressively increased it lie Coalitionist’s majority. With 87 booths accounted for lie was 450 ahead, and by the time the final return of the evening came to hand his majority was 043.

PREMIER’S SATISFACTION With only one return outstanding, and wit'll 193 absentee and postal votes to be counted the position is as follows:—■

■Holyoake, Coal. .. .. 3777 McKenzie, Lib.-Lab. .. 810 Webb, Labor .. .. 3134

Compared with the polling at the general election 12 months ago, the Government vote, on these figures, shows an increase of 114, and the antiGovernment vote a drop of nearly 50. Satisfaction with, the result of the by-election was expressed by the Prime Minister, tho Rt. lion. G. W. Forbes, who, in the course of an interview, commented that Mr Holyoake’s win was a dear endorsement of the Government’s policy. “The result shows,” he said, “that'in spite of the feeling about bad times the people in the main recognise .that what the Government is doing is sound policy. The vote is undoubtedly an endorsement of the Government’s policy, and in view of the unpleasant and unpopular things we have had to do during the past year we feel encouraged that the people should recognise that these are merely part of a general policy designed to keep tho country and ite finances in sound order.”

AFTER THE POLLS ADDRESSES BY CANDIDATES (Per Press Associati-'u.) NELSON, last night. Large crowds at Motueka and Nelson eagerly awaited the election returns. It was not until after 11- p.m. that the issue was beyond doubt, although, for some time, Mr. liolyoake’s lead was steadily increasing. When the Reefton returns came to hand, Mr. Hoiyoake's majority was reduced to about" 200, but, from there on, his total gradually increased to over 600. Addressing a large .crowd at Motueka, Mr. Holyoake thanked the electors for the support accorded the Coalition Government. The decision that day had been to stand behind the Government. He congratulated Mr. Webb on his clean tight and called for cheers for his opponents. Mr. Webb said the fight had been breath-inspiring. He had arrived a stranger arid would depart with many friends. He trusted for better luck next .time.

The lion. It. McKenzie, in thanking .those who had voted in his favor, said he was quite satisfied with the result. Mr. H. E. Holland, Leader of the Labor Party, congratulated Mr. Webb on the. manner in which he had carried the Labor Party's banner and assured Mr. Holyoake of the support of all in the district. There had been no electorate where electors had given supporters and opponents, a better or more cordial hear ing.

THE NEW MEMBER YOUNGEST IN THE HOUSE The new member for Motueka, Mr. Hoiyoake, is a son of Mr. and Mrs. V. Holyoake, of Itiwaka. Ibis . grandparents on both sides have been pioneer settlers of the Motueka district. Bor 14 years Mr. Holyoake has been interested in mixed farming, hops, tobacco, fruit, and dairying. He is keenly interested in sport, having represented Motueka-Gol-deii Bay in Seddon Shield contests for eight years, and has also represented Motueka for many years at lawn tennis On tho administrative side of sport he has also been prominent, and is president of the Riwaka Tennis Club. Mr. Holyoake is under 30 years of age, and Motueka thus retains the distinction of returning the youngest member of Parliament. Mr. Holyoake was the official Coalition candidate at the general election last December, and polled well against the sitting member, Mr. G. C. Black, who stood as an Independent. Mr. Black retained the seat with 4180 votes and Mr. Holyoake received 3663 votes.