VERDICT AT FRANKLIN.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 June 1925, Page 6

VERDICT AT FRANKLIN.

The decisive victory gained by the Government candidate in the Franklin byelection yesterday may be regarded as good augury for the future. The electors of Franklin were asked to choose between Mr. E. D. McLennan, a well-known farmer and a supporter of the policy laid down by the late Mr. W. F. Massey and carried on by the Hon. J. G. Coates, and Mr. J. S. Montgomerie, who branded himself as a faithful follower of Mr. H. E. Holland, who under the innocent cloak of Labour carries all the destructive armament necessary to sweep away the existing system of administration in favour of a policy of nationalisation and socialisation. The choice provided a clear-cut issue, and the answer of the people was emphatic. The Government candidate was placed at the head of the poll with a majority of 3706, gaining 73 per cent, of the valid votes cast against 27 per cent, given for the Labour candidate.. There could be no more clear indication that the present Government retained the confidence of Franklin and that there exists but little desire for an experiment with a Labour government. Mr. McLennan's victory was no doubt assisted by the support of many Liberals, who voted ,for the Government nominee in preference to the Labour candidate, and the result of the poll will be welcomed by Liberals throughout the country as much ac by Government supporters. Franklin yesterday conveyed an impressive moral for the country, showing, that in a straight-out contest the forces of moderation and progressiveness must prevail over those of Socialism and extremism. Three-cornered elections must be avoided if the country is to be governed by a party which stands for solid and progressive ideals.