TO-DAY'S POLL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 23, 31 May 1913, Page 5

TO-DAY'S POLL.

THE FEDERAL ELECTIONS. PROSPECTS AND FORECAST.

Electric Telegraph—Copyright] [United Press Association. 1

Sydney, May 30

Tho leaders of both political parties, in their final flutters, used the Privy Council's dismissed appeal in the Coal Vend case as an argument in their favor, Mr Hughes claiming that it proved tho need of the greater powers asked for by referenda. Mr Cook said that it was tho weakest argument conceivable against the referenda. As polling is open till 8 o'clock and the counting stops at midnight on Saturday, very few complete returns, even for tho House of Representatives, will bo available before Monday, while it will bo some days before the Senate and referenda figures give anyhing like a, true idea of the position. Forecasting where the whole Commonwealth is involved is very difficult. Both sides have conducted a vigorous and systematic campaign. Labor's excellent organisation again lias been apparent. The Labor leaders are fairly confident of being able do sit tight so far as tho electorates .ire concerned, but are less confident aver tlie referenda.

The Liberals, bucked by a strong appeal from the employers against doubling industry, are confident oi defeating the referenda, and consider Jieir chance of winning the electorates much improved by -the large doating vote, especially that of the women, which last election went to labor, being turned as a result .oi ihe big advance in rents and the cost of living during the Labor regime. I'liey also count upon the late epidemic of strikes and the,Government's attitude thereon winning them someprevious direct Labor votes. Idie bulk of the fight will be traightout, and it is anticipated that ;he altered boundaries under the unended Electoral Act will be responsible for some surprises. It is not un•iikely that spoilt votes Avill form an appreciable quota,, as, besides voting for both Hour.es, tho Selectors have to ing back, with t-h#;>referenda ruled "jiiestions. ..,. ■

Summing up, the preponderance of ipinion appears to favor Labor squeezing back, with the' •referenda l rured iut. ■ '. •■' '..; ■'.;' HOLIDAY FOR THE : PUBS. (Received 8.40 a.m.) t , t ■-, • >-. Sydney, May<3l. 1 The hotels • will "be closed during rolling hours, viz., 8 a.m. to 8-p.nl. The swollen rivers will probably lelay the result of the voting in the Northern districts. COMPOSITION OF THE LEGISLATURE. The last House of Parliament was composed of 31 Labor members, two Independent Labor, and 32 Liberals, jnd the Senate of 22 Labor, and 14 Liberal members, i In order to rob the Government of its majority in the House, the Liberals •eqniro to win six seats.