N.S.W. UPPER HOUSE.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18944, 15 May 1933, Page 7

N.S.W. UPPER HOUSE.

REFORM REFERENDUM.

MAJORITY FOR THE AYES.

COUNTING NOT COMPLETE.

United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyright.

SYDNEY, May 14

It is expected that the referendum for the reform of the New South Wales Legislative Council will be carried by a fairly substantial majority. The question put to the electors was: “Are you In favour of a Constitution Amendment Act?" The vote was “yes” and “no.” x According to the final progress count at midnight the votes cast in favour of the Reform Bill totalled 635,667 and those against the hill 614,746. Thus the affirmative majority at that hour was 20,921. The Government expects that as these are mostly country’ votes its final majority will he about 30,000. Practically all the city votes went against the Government, revealing a pronounced swing to the side of Labour since the general election nearly 12 months ago. The country, on the other hand, voted in the affirmative, some electorates by more than three to one, but in most cases two to one.

The Premier, Mr. B. S. Stevens, and his Ministers are delighted at the result in spite of the fact that at an earlier stage they anticipated a larger majority, 100,000 being mentioned. The total number of voters on the roll is 1,476,197, and it is believed that 92 per cent, went to the poll, voting being compulsory. The Premier In a broadcast said he regarded the issue as beyond doubt. The affirmative majority, he claimed, was a remarkable tribute to the sanity and reasonableness of the people of this great State. “I regard the result as most satisfactory,” said Mr. Stevens. “The Government will go straight ahead and give effect to the people’s will for a new elective Chamber which will safeguard the rights of democracy and promote stability and prosperity.” Mr. J. T. Lang expressed the opinion that the final result would be extremely close, revealing a significant change in public opinion since the last election. He was doubtful whether the Government would be able to claim a victory. It seemed more like a moral victory for Labour. The count will not be resumed till Monday. LATER. COMMENT ON THE POLL. GOVERNMENT’S SIGNAL VICTORY’ LITTLE ADVERSE ARGUMENT. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. (Received May 15, 11.5 a.m.) SYDNEY, May 15. The Herald, in a leader on the referendum, says: “The popular vote which was passed on the referendum on Saturday was a signal victory for the Government.

“ The opponents of the Bill used little valid argument against it, but had many factors to help them. “It was an easy matter for the leaders of the Langist appeal to play upon the despondency of struggling citizens, and to arouse in them resentment and passion, rather than a desire to understand facts.’” Labour Paper’s Claim. The Labour Daily says: “Labour, despite heavy handicaps, polled a wonderful vote, which is a certain augury that Labour will win in the next Federal and State elections. “ Compared with the figures at the June election, the poll showed an increased Labour vote of 100,000 and in effect was a vote of no confidence in the Stevens Government.” “In no fewer than 13 electorates the Nationalists’ majorities of 11 months ago, were converted into Labour majorities, and In 12 other electorates large Nationalist majorities were reduced. A majority below 1000 cast for Mr. Lang, in Auburn, on the other hand, was increased by 4500.” Fallacious Reasoning. The Telegraph says: "To compare Labour’s figures at the last election with the referendum figures is misleading, as it is obvious many people who voted against the Reform Bill did not intend their vote to be against the Government. This-is particularly obvious in' the North Shore electorate and in Croydon, Mr. Stevens’ electorate.” Mr. Lang’s Viewpoint. Mr. J. T. Lang, Leader of the Opposition says the campaign of terrorism and intimidation conducted by the Government and newspapers succeeded in inducing the people to surrender their self-governing rights.