THE HAWKES BAY SEAT.

[BY TELEGRAPH — PBESS ASSOCIATION.] HASTINGS, This Day. Sir William Russell's committee persistently denies any knowledge of Mr. Massey's visit to Hastings, and the first public intimation of the fact that he was to speak here to-night was au advertisement in the paper this morning. The secretary maintained that he has prevented the other side arranging a Ministerial visit as a eoanter-atti'action. There is expected to be a very close contest. Women, who are indifferent to politics, will poll heavily in favour of Sir WilEam Russell. An open-air meeting will be* held tonight by Mr. Dillon, supported by the rejected candidates, -while Mr. Massey and Sir William Russell -will give addresses at the Theatre. EGMONT ELECTORATE. ELTHAM, This Day. The position in Egmont is that Mr. Wilkinson (the defeated Oppositionist) is working for Mr. Dive, and that Mr. Astbury (the defeated Government candidate) is advising his supporters to vote for Mr. Wake. The feeling which existed between the followers of the candidates on tho same sides makes ifc less certain that the ballot will resolve itself on party lines. NAPIER SEAT. NAPIER, This Day. Of the absentee votes 42 were cast for Mi. Brown and 29 for Mr. Fraser, raising Mr. Brown's majority to 1035. THE GISBORNE RETURNS. GISBORNE, This Day. The official count of the Gisborne electorate gives the Hon. James Carroll 16 votes short of an absolute majority, the figures being :—: — Carroll 3485 Darton 2052 Clayton 1454 Total valid votes ... 7001