LYTTELTON RECOUNT

MR. LYONS HAS A MAJORITY

MATTER LIKELY TO GO TO ELECTORAL COURT.,

(BI TELEBRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.) CHIIISTCHURCH, 3rd Dec. Tho Magisterial recount of the votes cast in tho Lyttelton election was completed to-day. The result: I was: — M. E. Lyons (Government) .. 4890 J. M'Combs (Labour) ...... 4884 j Informal 121 The original count resulted in a tie, 4900 each, the returning officer's casting vote being given for Mr. Lyons. Mr. M'Combs was asked whether ho intended to proceed with a petition to an Election Court. He replied that he had yet to consult his solicitor in connection with the matter. In view of the fact that certain evidence was only admissible before an Election Court, it was probable that, as in the case of the Westland seat, a petition would be lodged. It is interesting to note that there is one more vote than was shown in the figures issued by the Lyttelton returning officer. Not counting the returning officer's vote cast in favour of Mr. Lyons, tho number of votes for him on the Magisterial recount decreased by ten as compared with the returning officer's count, and those for Mr. M'Combs have decreased by sixteen. This is a total decrease of 26. Informal votes have, however, increased by 27, from 94 to 121. It is stated that the recount by the Magistrate disclosed several interesting features. The arithmetic of the official count was not confirmed. Votes were allowed that previously had been disallowed, and others were disallowed that had been allowed by the returning officer. Ballot papers marked with a cross opposite the .name of a candidato were not allowed. It was ruled that on the Magisterial recount evidence could not bo taken regarding the status of people resident in Ellesmere and Christchurch East at the time of enrolment and at, the time of voting in the Lyttelton electorate. It was stated that this was a matter that could go to an Election Court if a petition were presented. The question of electors being refused tho right to vote at booths outside the Lyttelton electorate because the deputies had run out of absent voters' permits was also ruled out as being outside the scope of the count.