23 APRIL 1910, Page 2

The final returns in the Australian General Election give the

Labour Party, led by Mr. Fisher, a majority of thirteen in the House of Representatives, and of ten in the Senate. The majority in the House will be raised to fifteen if the two Independent Liberals—Sir William Lyne and Mr. G. H. Wise—vote with the new Government. This striking success of the Labour Party was unexpected even by its own organisers. When Mr. Deakin appealed to the country he had a Fusionist majority of twelve. Now Labour has a handsome independent majority in both Houses, and is in a stronger position than any Government since the establishment of the Commonwealth. What will it do with its majority P