FEDERAL POLLS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21242, 12 October 1940, Page 9

FEDERAL POLLS

LAST SEAT DECIDED WOTS BY LABOUR PARTIES ALMOST EQUAL United Pres* Assn—Hep. Tel. Copyright) SYDNEY. Oct. 11 The counting of votes for the only seat outstanding in the election of the Federal House of Representatives— Maranoa. in Queensland —was completed today, and as was exoected. it has been won by the official Labour candidate. Mr F. Baker, whose maiority over the Country Party candidate, Mr R. McGeoch. was 1609. Labour has thus won 35 seats and the Government parties have won 36 seats. Labour, however, expects to win the Kalgoorlie seat, rendered vacant by the death of Mr A. Green (Labour) and the parties will thus have 36 seats each, with two Independents. Fifty candidates of the 156 -who stood for the Federal election in New South Wales will lose their £25 deposit. It is noteworthy that all four opponents of the Federal Treasurer, Mr P. C. Spender, in the Warringah electorate have lost their deposits. The Senate count is not yet complete. but it can be stated that nine of the 21 candidates in New South Wales will lose their deposits. The soldiers’ votes from Palestine arrived yesterday, and votes from the Australian troops in England are expected shortly, after which the distribution of preferences in the Senate polling throughout Australia will immediately begin.