CANADIAN ELECTIONS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19443, 31 October 1925, Page 9

CANADIAN ELECTIONS

A CLOSE FINISH PREMIER AND OPPOSITION LEADER DEFEATED. CONSERVATIVE LANDSLIDE IN ONTARIO.

By Telegraph—Per Press Assn.—Copyright. Received October 30, 5.5 p.m. OTTAWA, Oct. 29.

The outcome of the Canadian general elections will be close, according to early indications. A Conservative landslide occurred in Ontario. The Liberals retain an almost solid hold in Quebec, but the maritime provinces show a Conservative majority. Western results are meagre so far. Premier Mackenzie King and Mr Meighen (Leader of the Opposition) have both been defeated. Three other Cabinet Ministers have been defeated in their own ridings of Ontario. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. A PROGRESS REPORT CONSERVATIVE GOVERNMENT FAIRLY CERTAIN. BIG TURNAWAY FROM LIBERALISM. Received October 30, 7.35 p.m. OTTAWA, Oct. 29.

While Western returns are late, the majority of Canadians went to bed fairly certain that the country will have* a Conservative Government in the next Parliament, even though its majority may be so slender that only expert leadership will enable it to carry on. Startling in its wholesaleness was the downfall of Premier King in his own constituency, and the defeat of at least nine of his Ministers, including Messrs Massey (without portfolio), Graham (Minister of Railways), Foster (Secretary of State), Gordon (Minister of Immigration), Lowe (Minister for Trade and Commerce), Marler (without portfolio), Stewart (Minister for the Interior), Murdoch (Minister of Labour). Beaten, too, was the Independent movement of Mr Patenande in Quebec, where the leader was defeated in his own constituency. The Conservatives gained three seats in Montreal, one a rural seat, but the Liberals conceded sixty-one seats in Quebec. Only the fact that Quebec went traditionally Liberal saved Premier King from a devastating defeat Even the prairie provinces, which were expected to vote Liberal, if not Progressive, returned a surprising number of Conservatives, including the leader, Mr Meigher, whose defeat in his own constituency was not unanticipated.

A LATER REPORT

CONSERVATIVES LEADING. MONTREAL, Oct. 30. At midnight, with fifty seats the results of which had not been received, the Conservatives had 105 seats, Liberals 74, Progressives and Independents nine. The provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Ontario went almost solidly Conservative. It is estimated that the Conservatives will secure a total of at least 120 out of 245. If they can take 135, and it is possible, Mr Meighen will be able to go fairly comfortably, as his party is by far the largest individually, but even with the smallest number he is likely to form a Government, as several Progressives undoubtedly can be persuaded to fall in with the Conservatives. The latter’s showing is due to general unrest, business depression and anxiety over the exodus of Canadians to the United States, and may be taken as the country’s desire to try a protective tariff.

A CORRECTION ME MEIGHAN ELECTED.. Received Oct. 31, 12.5 a.m. OTTAWA, Oct. 29. Among those elected was Mr Meighan, the Leader of the Opposition.

AN UNSATISFACTORY RESULT TALK OF ANOTHER ELECTION. Received Oct. 31, 12.5 a.m. (Reuter) OTTAWA, Oct. 30. Were Mr Meighan to capture each of six doubtful seats, he would have a bare majority of one when the Speaker is chosen. It is uncertain whether Mr Mackenzie King will resign or whether he will endeavour to continue in office with the assistance of Progressives and Independents. Already there is talk of another election.