VICTORIAN ELECTIONS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 267, 12 November 1945, Page 5

VICTORIAN ELECTIONS

POSITION UNCERTAIN LABOUR MAY BE ABLE TO FORM GOVERNMENT. Recd. 6 p.m. Melbourne, Nov. 11. Although Labour s bid to obtain a clear majority in the Victorian elec- ; lions appears to have failed, the party ’ has increased its strength in the new ! House by probably five seats. A 1 Labour Government is probable, but ; by no means certain, following yesterday’s general election. Three rebel Liberals and one or two Independents will hold the balance of power, whichever party assumes office. Whn counting ceased at midnight ihe indications were that the party strength would be as follows: Labour 30 United Country Parly 18 Liberals 10 Breakaway Liberals - 3 Independent 1 In addition three seats are doubtful Of these it is possible for Labour oi Liberal to win two, and an Independent one. The Labour leader, Mr. Cain, said he was hopeful that his party would be able to form a Government, but he was waiting until the position was clearer before announce.ng what line of action could be taken by Labour. The surprise so far is the defeat of the present Premier, Mr. Macfarlan, and his Minister of Health, Mr. Haworth, and Minister of Agriculture. Mr. Cumming. The Minister of Education, Mr. Hollins (an Independent) is likely to lose his seat to Labour. Only three of Ihe six Liberal breakaways appear likely to hold their seats, and these by narrow margins. Major W. Ruthven, the only Victoria Cross candidate, is likely to be successful. None of the six Communist or Socialist candidates won a seat. A later message says that though ' Labour is likely to gain seven seats, the party failed to gain the number of seats required to give an absolute majority over all the other parties. Nevertheless, although the position is still somewhat confused, pending completion of the count, it is possible that Labour may be able to form a Government with the support of the Independents. .. The sensation of tne election is the almost total defeat of the stop-gap Macfarlan rebel Ministry. Present indications are that only three of these Ministers are likely to survive. The likely strength of the parties in the New Parliament compared with the last Parliament are:— New Old Country Party 18 26 Liberal W 12 Macfarlan Liberals 3 0 Independents 22 Independent Labour 1 1 Labour 31 24 In the above figures for the old Parliament six rebel Liberal members of the Macfarlan Ministry are included in the Liberal figures. Labour appears to have achieved its gain of strength mainly owing to dissension of the Liberal and Country parties rather than to any pronounced swing towards Labour. Most of Labour gains have been at the expense of the Country Party. Of the Liberals endorsed by the party against the rebel Liberals only one was successful. Brigadier Ray Tovell, who defeated the Premier, Mr. Macfarlan. Labour won only one of these former Liberal seats, defeating Mr. Haworth, Minister of Health, for the Albert Park seat. Mr. A. G. Allmitt, who recently was expelled from the Country Party, also was defeated by Labour for Mildura.

Five new members are servicemen. Apart from the rebels the Liberal Party appears not to have lost any seats and has gained five.