Western Star WALLACE COUNTY GAZETTE. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1935. THE ELECTION.

Western Star, 29 November 1935, Page 2

Western Star WALLACE COUNTY GAZETTE. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1935. THE ELECTION.

As the result of the Democratic Partycoming forward the election has resulted in a substantial win for Labour, who secured 52 seats as compared with 25 for; the election held four years ago. The National Party lost 22 seats and its strength has now been reduced to 20. Four Independents have been returned, and .two representing the Country Party. Features of the election were the defeat' of three Ministers—the Hon J Bitchener, Minister of Public Works, Sir Alexander Young, Minister of Health, and the Hon. C. E. Macmillan, Minister of Agriculture. Mr Downie Stewart was also defeated for Dunedin West by a Labour candidate, and Mr Hislop,' the Democratic Party leader, was the lowest in the poll for Masterton. Non € °f ihe Democratic candidates were returned. Ho far as Southland is concerned, th e only change was in Invercargill where Mr Denham, thq Labour candidate was returned with a, majority of 295. The total votes cast for Invercargill was 12,355, and of this* number the successful candidate obtained 3919—less than a third. Tho general discontent of the depression was directed against the National Government, who had to impose taxe s to balance the budget. Mr Savage, the leader of the labour Party, .will thus have a sound budget to develop hia own plans, and carry out his gu.urauteedj prices plan and monetary reform. There is no doubt that had only two parties, been in the field Mr Savage's present majority would have been very much decreased. It has been suggested that the downfall of the National Government was due in a large measure to the Sales Tax. In returning thanks for ilia victory, Mr Savage assured the electors that New Zealand had nothing to fear as the result of the Labour Party being returned. The Government will co-oper-ate in the work of building up New Zealand. They were looking forward to an opportunity of meeting those who ar e engaged in the work of building. The manufacturing industries have also go! toi be further extended. Thrsy. will no doubt be difficult problems to face, but the new Party will face them without ■any fear whatever, and are content to rely upon the verdict of the electors. So far as Wallace is concerned the Hon A Hamilton was again returned with a large majority. When less than a quarter of the returns had come to hand it was realised by both his supporters and opponents that his return was assured. With tho exception of Nightcaps and Ohai where the Labour candidate polled heavily, most of tlv other centres favoured Mr Hamilton; Very little interest was taken in the Licensing Poll, Continuance being again carried with a substantial majority, in. vercargill again failed to carry Restoration, b?*i lg 661 short of the necessary three-fifths majority.