GOVERNMENT SHAKEN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 68, 22 March 1938, Page 7

GOVERNMENT SHAKEN

STATE ELECTION IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA BALANCE OF POWER HELD BY INDEPENDENTS. ADELAIDE, March 20. The results of the State election have greatly shaken the Liberal-Coun-try Party Government. Instead of its 28 seats out of 46 before the poll, it now appears likely to win not more than 17 of the redistributed 39. The balance of power is held by Independents, who appear to have won 14 seat, compared with the five they held in the old House. Labour is likely to win onlyleight seats. It held 13 before the election. When counting ceased, the position of the parties was: Liberal-Country, 13; Australian Labour Party, 7; other Labour, 2; Independents, 10; doubtful, 7. The Premier, Mr. Butler, barely retained his seat. The Attorney-General, Mr. Jeffries, is in danger of defeat. The position of the Minister of Crown Lands, Mr. Mclntosh, is also uncertain. It is also possible that the Government will lose its Chairman, of Committees, Mr. Crosby, whose Independent opponent, Mr. Robinson, has a substantial lead. Usually a Labour stronghold, Adelaide is likely to go to an unendorsed Labour candidate. The Premier said the election was the most extraordinary in the history of South Australia. It appeared that the Independents have the balance of power. He would call Parliament together immediately. Some of the Independents would support the Government, but if the Government found it did not have the support of the majority of the House, there could be no alternative but to make another appeal to the electors.

GOVERNMENT’S POSITION MUST HAVE SUPPORT OF SOME INDEPENDENTS. Received March 21, 5.5 p.m. ADELAIDE, March 21. Although the result of the contest in at least five seats is still in doubt, it is certain that if the present Government is to carry on it will have to gain promises of support from four or five independents. At the close on Sunday night the probable state of the parties was: Liberal Country 17 Labour _ 10 Independent 12 Of the Independents, one is Independent Labour and two Independent Liberal. The Premier, Mr. Butler, now has almost a complete majority on tl/c first count and is considered quite safe despite a hard light against four opponents. Mr. Jeffries has improved his position and is expected to retain his scat. Mr. Mclntosh now is considered safe but Mr. Crosby and Sir Herbert Hudd, Commissioner of Public Works, are behind their Independent opponents in straightout fights. All other members of the Ministry retained their