Massachusetts Democrats achieved their first off-year gubernatorial victory in 16 years yesterday when incumbent Governor Paul A. Dever and virtually the entire Democratic slate were elected.

Dever seemed assured of re-election by a 150,000 plurality over Republican nominee Arthur W. Coolidge '06. Boston alone gave Dever a 100,000 vote lead, and, traditionally, swung the election into the Democrats' favor.

Dever's Lieutenant Governor Charles F. Sullivan won over Republican Laurence Curtis '16. His Secretary of State Edward J. Cronin defeated Russell A. Wood '03. Dever's present State Treasurer and Auditor also triumphed.

The Attorney General race saw Republican Frederick Ayer, Jr. '37 maintain an early jump over Democratic candidate Francis E. Kelley. With 343 precinets out of 1925 counted, Ayer held a slim 1,000 vote lead over Kelley.

In the 11th Congressional District which includes Cambridge and parts of Boston, incumbent Congressman John F. Kennedy '40 won easily over Republican Vincent Celeste.

In important referenda, Massachusetts voted yesterday for increased old-age assistance benefits, providing 75 dollars a month to needy persons over 63.

At the same time, a state lottery for financing old-age assistance was rejected. This would have established a commission to conduct a lottery once a month with one chance to cost not more than one dollar.

Flat compulsory automobile insurance was also voted down. This would change the auto rates which are now based on the accident rates of particular towns to a uniform classification throughout the state