Notes of the Day

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 3721, 6 January 1913, Page 4

Notes of the Day

THE UNCOMFORTABLE N.SAY GOVERNMENT.

The fate of the Labor Government of New South \A ales, it is evident, is now almost beyond question. It will be seen that the first ballot in connection with the Blayney by-election has resulted in the defeat of Mr. Johnston, the Labor candidate. Mr. Witliington, the Liberal nominee, who came out on top, will now go to a second ballot with the ex-Minister for Labor, Mr. Beeby, who, as is well known, is standing on this occasion as an Independent. The only possible chance of Mr. Beeby being returned would of course he that lie would at the second ballot get assistance from a majority of the supporters of the defeated straight-out Labor nominee. Is this a likely- contingency? We think not. Under the circumstances, then, one might with good reason come to the conclusion that the election is bound to result in a .victory for the representative of the Liberal party. New that the Labor candidate has been defeated. the position will assuredly be that the Government will not be able to continue in office. Before Mr. Beeby resigned it had only a majority of two. The fact that Mr. Neilsen, one ol its other members, has gone on an official visit to the United States, does not affect matters, as he Avas lucky enough to get a ‘'pair.” With Mr. Beeby returned as an Independent. which, as eve have indicated, is unlikely, the Government would in such circumstances be dependent, of course, on liis continuous support—which might at any time be declined. If,"hoAvever, Mr. Withington inns the seat, cvhicli on the other hand is, as we have forecasted, almost a certainty, the position tvill be that the parties Avill be equal in numerical strength. Thus it is clear that within measurable distance Mr. McGowen and his party—having been robbed of its small but valuable majority—must resign, and an appeal tvill ha\ _ e to be made to the tvliole State.