The Sydney Morning Herald from Sydney, New South Wales, Australia • Page 1

BIGGEST SALE OF ANY PAPER IN AUSTRALIA MA imam i few 44 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1978 TWENTY CENTSt 184 Pages Incorporating The Sunday Sun and Guardian (No. 3929) and The Sunday Herald (No. 1542) mm By WARREN OWENS The Vran Labor Government was returned to power in ftSW yesterday with a handsomely increased majority. lasss miiis si 1 i 5n 1 i 4 'J 5 -Mv' fc i tC I I i ,1 i yv. The Opposition Liberal-Country Parties lost the election and their leader in a swing to Labor of more than 10 per cent.

At the close of counting last night, the Labor Party had gained at least 60 seats in the 99 seat Lower House a near-record majority. The Liberal Party had lost at least eight seats, with several others in jeopardy. The Country Party had lost one, with two others in doubt. This shattering electoral blow to the coalition parties was compounded by voters' endorsement of an apparent Labor Party majority in the State's new ly reformed Upper House. Early counting for the Upper House indicated that Labor would win at least eight and possibly nine of the 15 seats at issue.

The Premier, Mr Wran, last night was within sight of equalling the record majorities held by past Labor Premiers Mr clearly regard him as their man." Mr Coleman's referenca to the success of the Labor slogan, "Wran's our man," was consistent with his claim throughout the campaign that Labor was campaigning on little more than a catchy jingle. Mr Coleman lost his own seat of Fuller as the strong pro-Wran trend surged through Sydney's suburbs. His conqueror was a 29 year-old Labor Party official and Hunters Hill alderman, Mr Rod Cavalier. Asked about his future, Continued on 2. (later Sir William) McKell and Mr Jack Lang Both old-time Labor Premiers at their peak won 58 seats out of a 90-seat Lower House.

This translates to 64 seats in the present 99-seat Legislative Assembly and last night Mr Wran had that figure firmly in his sights. The Opposition Leader, Mr Peter Coleman, conceded Labor an "overwhelming win" after only three hours of counting. "My first duty Is to congratulate the Labor Party on a very big win," he said. "It was a personal triumph for Mr Wran. "The people of NSW, particularly in the city, INSIDE TODAY 20-page catalogue in full colour of bargains from Norman Ross, A victory kiss for the Premier Mr and Mrs Wran had plenty to celebrate in the election tally room at the Showground last night.

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