RAGLAN BY-ELECTION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 55, 7 March 1946, Page 5

RAGLAN BY-ELECTION

COMMENT BY MR. FRASER

K Wellington, March 6. "The conversion of a small majority for Labour into a small majority for the Nationalists shows nothing that can be called a swing against the Government,” said the Prime Minister <Mr. Fraser) last night, commenting on the Raglan by-election resulE “Dirring ten years in office Labour has been defeated only twice at by-elec-tions, and the present small reverse will not deter the Government in any way from proceeding with its progressive policy.” Mr. Fraser said he was naturally disappointed at the result. Apparently the reason was that the majority of the farming community in the electorate was at present onposed to Labour's policy of guaranteed prices, assured markets, and secured markets, which had given them security and stability.

"I am pleased that the mining areas have remained steadfast and firm to Labour,” continued Mr. Fraser. "The conservative country districts— and obviously they are still very conservative in some parts of Raglan—have polled somewhat more heavily against the Government than at the General Election.” He added that the reverse would have the effect of rallying the forces of Labour and democracy in defence of the most progressive industrial and social legislation in the world, and a still more strenuous—and victoriou* —tight at the General Election. "I extend the sincere thanks of the Government to the Labour candidate, Mr. Baxter, for the splendid campaign lie fought so strenuously and stirringly," said Mr. Fraser.

MR. HOLLAND GRATIFIED

Auckland, March 5. "While the result of the Raglan byelection is still subject to recount, it appears that Mr. Johnstone will be elected,” said the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Holland, to-night. The result was of course gratifying to tlie National Party, and was, he thought, an indication of what might be expected at the General Election later this year. Mr. Holland said lhe contest had been a particularly clean one, with two splendid candidates, supported by what were as nearly perfect organisations as possible. Another satisfactory feature was tlie extraordinarily heavy poll for a by-election. The number of votes polled totalled 9620. as compared with 10,036 at the lasi General Election—a difference of 415.

Mr. Holland saiu that Mr. Johnstone would make a very valuable addition to the ranks of the Opposition and to Parliament itself.

Addressing a gathering of 400 members ot the National Party in Hamilton to-night, Mr. Holland heartily congratulated Mr. Johnstone on what lie regarded as a wonderful result. "GREAT DAY FOR NEW ZEALAND” "This is a great day for Raglan and for South Auckland, and a great day for New Zealand,'' said Mr. Holland.

He added tiiat he thought the result of tlie Raglan by-election meant tlie turning <>i the tide and was Hie

dearest indication that the elector* were looking lur a cnange or Government. They wanted an honest, clean Administration anil an assurance that, when a promise was made by responsible people, that promise would be kept.

It had been a great pleasure to go into the electorate and answer a tradueer who said he was not game to go to Huntly. He had no grudge against t*ie Huntly miners. They were a class on their own.

Analysing tlie figures and comparing them with tlie results of the General Election, Mr. Holland said he considered tae National Party had iiad to start *kX) votes behind. It looked as if it would finish with a majority of about 250, which lie re-

garded as a very creditable performance. The Raglan by-election had protided a demonstration to the 976 other branches of the National Party of how a campaign should be conducted.