THE GENERAL ELECTIONS.

» THE WAIAPCJ SEAT. The poll closed without any incidents of importauce, and shortly after 6 o'clock the retucus from outside polling places began to arrive. The first to hand were those from Tokomaru and Tolago Buy, and these were with quick despatch posted up on the lurge hoarding which had been erected above the balcony of the Masouic Hotel. This was the centre of attraction till long after midnight, and a very large crowd took up a position in the street below to watch the publication of the returns. The gathering was orderly and good humored iv the extremb, and as both sides were well represented the announcement of the various victories achieved by both Government and Opposition candidates received their full share of applause from the crowd. A big cheer arose "when returns were published showing that Mr Carroll's majority stood at 400, and the announcement of Captain Rusaell's victory in Hawke's Bay also elicited a hearty round of applause. The first of the Gisbocne returns was that from the Court-houae, where the Registrar (Mr W. A. Barton) and his assistants worked to such good effect thac they were able to announce both the electoral and the licensing poll a few minutes after 7 o'clock. The electoral poll at M'aefarlane'a Hall was announced about 7-30, and the licensing poll from the same booth an hour later. By this time, sufficient returns had come in to make it plain t.hat Mr Carroll was to be the member for Waiapu, and that prohibition was not to succeed this time — a result which was received with jubilation by the supporters of Mr Carroll, and those who had no desire to go to extremes on the temperance question, while those who had urged their fellowelectors to "strike out the top line only," had their hopea considerably shattered. Numbers of people hung about the streets until long after midnight awaiting the publication of the returns from other parts of the colony, and were especially desirous of knowing the results in the four centres, which had been sornewhatdelayed owing to the immense number of voles which had to be counted, and the numerous candidates who were soliciliug the suffrages of the electora. In fact, after the display at the Masonic Hotel had closed, several enthusiasts hung around outBide the telegraph office and gladly accepted any little fragments of news aa to the progress of the ejection and the state of parties which the press were able to furnish them with. The telegraph office was closed to the public at X a.m., but although the returns were sent through with more expedition than iv former years, it was 3.15 before the final Press Association message came through, and even then many of the returns wero incomplete. By the kindness of Mr Harding, licensee of the Masonic Hotel, we were euabled to maUe a very haudsome gaslight display of the election returns, which were written on slips of paper iv bold letters and pasted on a largo hoarding erected above the balcony of the hotel. A Btrong light was provided by two ornamental gasaliers, which enabled the crowd to clearly read the returns as they were placed on the hoarding. The task of writing the returns was performed by Mr \V. Howard, an employ^ of Mr F. Hall, decorator, who did his work in a capable, workmanlike manner, which gave every satisfaction. A large staff was also present for the purpose of posting the returns, a task which they fulfilled with great promptitude. This method of announcing the results was greatly appreciated by the public, and to Mr Harding our thanks are due for so kindly placing sufficient space for tho purpose at our disposal. Special thanks are also due to Mr \y. W. Beswick, Chief Postmaster, who kindly placed a room iv the telegraph office at the disposal of our representative, an accommodation which greatly facilitated the prompt publication of the results. We also thank Mr Parker, Mr Beswick's able secoud in command, Messrs Cumming and Kemp, and the telegraph staff generally, all of whom carried out their duties under very trying circumstances with the greatest despatch. A special word of praise is duo to the Returning Oflicer (Mr. W. A. Barton) for the excellent arrangements he had made for the taking of the poll at the various polling places, and he is to be heartily congratulated on the general efficiency with which his deputies performed their duties. We are also indebted to him as well as to Mr Carroll for placing their telegraph returns at our disposal, by which means, supplementing the urgent messages despatched by the Press Association, we were enabled to keep the public informed aa to the progress of the electiou far more quickly than would otherwise have been the case. Towards 10 o'clock when, it was evident that Mr Carroll had secured a large majority of votes in the Waiapu electorate, a general desire was expressed to hear what he had to say on the subject. Mr Carroll, who was accompanied by his opponent, Mr Fitzroy, accordingly made his appearance on the balcony of the Masonic Hotel. He was received with a loud and prolonged outburst of cheers, while Mr Fitzroy's appearance was also the signal for loud applause. Mr Ccirroll, when he at length gained a hearing, said : Ladies and gentlemen, I think we may feel assured, according to the present returns, that my election is safe. (Applause.) lam very much pleased at having this opportunity of thanking you all —those who voted for me, and those who voted against me. 1 thank those who voted for me for the continuance of their support, and I thank those who voted against me for carrying out a contest which has heen characterised by good feeling. (Applause.) Nothing has occurred, I can assure you, at any rate as far as T kuow, during this contest, to havo rullled the serenity of any mind,— (applause), and in regard to my opponent, I have ulwaya held him in public in high esteem, besides which I have known him privately as a man of irreproachable character. (Cheers.) But I will say this, that in any further election batllea I may indulge in, I would not wish for a more fair and honest opponent. (Cheers.) I can say further, that we, the people of this electorate, have sufficient grounds upon which we may congratulate ourselves for the manner iv which we conduct our election contests. (Applause.) i only trust those on the other side have not had occasion to feel offended at anything that has transpired and for which myself and those supporting mo are held to be responsible. (Applause.) 1 extend the baud of fellowship to my opponent, Mr Fitzroy, and I trust that both sides will sink any differences which may have beta generated throughout the battle. I havo now to thank you for placing me in one of tho proudest positions that any public man can expect to enjoy. (Cheers.) You have by to-day's act reimposedau honor upon me of which I only trust my actions in the future will render me fully deserving, and that in my representative character no one can point to aught of neglect of duty or inattention to your interests, apart from the great goal we have always in view— the progress of the colony at large. (Cheers.) Allow mo now to thank you all for the great distinction you have attached to me on this occasion by returning me again as your member for the uext three years in the Parliament of Now Zealand, and if I can in that capacity carxy myself with honor aud dignity or earn any distinction in the high councils of the people I say you ought to share the credit and honor of such attniumeuts on my part. (Cheers.) I will now conclude by wishing you well, sincerely and from the bottom of my heart, (Voices, " Thanks " and " Same to you ") aud 1 will give Mr Fit/.Roy, my opponent, an opportunity of addressing you. He has n harder task than I have, because I have tho consciousness of success on my side, and he has, of course, the consciousness of having been beaten, but as a true gentleman, as a true fighter, he is equal to the occasion. (Loud and prolonged cheering, three cheers being heartily given for both Mr Carroll aud Mr Fitzßoy.) Mr Kilzttoy suid : Ladies and gsntlemen, F cannot disguise tho fact that 1 had hoped that this contest would have ended in a closer result, but I am very pleased to bo able to say that nothing has occurrod daring this contest which can possibly have led t<i uuy feeling of rancour or anything which might bo lastingly disagreeable to the people, aud I am thankful that tho contest has been conducted in such a straightforward and honorablo manner. (Cheers.) 1 am extremely obliged to Mr Carroll, my opponent, and also to those who supported him for the very generous manner iv which they have treated us during this Donteat, and 1 must oxpresa the gratification [ feel for those who have so oordially supported me, J have no more to s»y, \ni wil

craving of the public for news by posting up later returns the editorial sanctum waß besieged with persons making inquiries as to " Who is in for such and such a place ?" ." What is the strength of the parties?" etc., etc. Such information in our possession, however, was of too sketchy a character to enable a defiuite reply to be given, and the, public had perforce to curb their impatience under fuller returns enabled us to post up more definite results outßide the office, now wish you a very good-night. (Loud cheers.) Oa the invitation of Mr Carroll, three cheers were given for Mr Fitzßoy, who reciprocated by calling for cheers for the successful candidate — "if you have any lungs left." The crowd had lungs left, and they exercised them by loudly responding to the appeal. The interest in the election had by no means died out this morning, and long before we could make any attempt to satisfy the RESULT OF THE POLL. Carroll. Fitzßoy. Inf'm'l. Oisborne Courthouse - 503 414 16 Macfarlane's Hftll 468 396 8 Whangara - 40 25 1 Tolago - 90 17 1 Takapau - - 36 13 3 Tokomaru - 40 23 4 Waipiro 40 49 1 Tuparoa - - 10 27 Awanui - - 14' 18 4 Waimata 24 49 Matawhero - 117 85 2 WaereDga-a-hika 53 102 1 Ormond - - 111 59 4 Karaka - 28 36 Waihuka 5 39 Whatatutu - 16 36 Rangiriri - - 12 8 Patutahi - 80 65 To Arai - 49 54 Maraetaha - 10 29 Waerenga-o-kuri 32 21 Tiniroto - . 22 8 Marumaru 11 19 Frasertown - 51 37 Windsborough Wairoa - - 199 90 Waihua - - 12 11 1 Nuhaka North ■ 32 13 Mahia - - 12 9 Motu - - 5 18 Total ... 2122 1770 Majority for Carroll 352 G stands for Government. O, Opposition' I, Independent. * Prohibitionist, t Labor £ Returns not all in. Auckland City. T. Thompson, G 7183 J. J.Holland, G 6292 W. Crowther, O 5982 *tA. Roaser, G 4673 C. E. Button, O 4000 E. Mitchelaon, O 3612 *G. Fowlds, I ... ... ... 3221 iS. Fawcus, G 831 J. M. Shera, G 608 E. Eugster, I 354 Parnell. F. Lawry, G „ 1770 R. Vaile, O 1312 *A. Withy, I 669 Manitkau. Sir G. M. O'Rorke, G 1674 W. F. Buckland, O 1474 Franklin. W. F. Maßsey, O 2141 Major Harris, G 1709 Waikato. F. W. Lang, O 1799 *Rev. E. Walker, I 798 Bay of Plenty. W. H. Herries, O 1586 W. Kelly, G 1443 Ohinemuri. A. J. Cadman, G 2820 E. Edwards, I 857 THAMB3. J. McGowan, G 2114 •E. H. Taylor, I 1759 Bay of Islands. R. M. Houston, G 1575 John Press, O 1007 MARSDEN.t R. Thompson, I 1710 A. H. Mason, O 1314 Waitemata. R. Monk, O 665 W. H. Jackman, G 582 Eden. J. Bollard, O .. 1896 Jacksqn Palmer, G 1682 Waiapu. J. Carroll, G 2122 C. A. Fitzßoy, O ... 1770 Tabanaki. H. Brown, O 2010 E. M. Smith, G 1843 *C. E. Bellringer, I 386 Eomont. W. Symes, G 1362 W. Monkhouse, 0 1092 *J. G. Harkness, I 649 Patea.J G. Hutchiaon, O 1374 RomiDgton, G 998 Hatvbra. F. McGuire, O 1186 *B. C. Robbins, O._ ... ... 1139 C. E. Major, G ... .„ ... 1058 Haitke's Bay. Captain Rusaell, O 2320 A. L. D, Fruser, G 1479 Napier. D. McLean, O 2456 S. Carnell, G ... .„ ... 1709 W Air aw A. Geo. Hunter, O 1971 C. Hall, G 1812 Wellington City tJ. Hutcheson, G 6942 *Sir R. Stout, O 6837 G. Fisher, G 6370 "A. R. Atkinson, O 6280 A. S. Menteath, 0 6087 C. Wilson. G „ 6023 F. H. Fraser, I 1906 J. K. Powell, I 194 A. Warburton, I 89 Wellington Suburbs. T. M. Wilford. G 2194 F. W. Hialop, O 1942 OtTAKI. H. A. Field, G 1797 *Dr Newman, O 1369 Wairarapa. W. C. Buchanan, O 1944 J. T. M. Hornsby, G 1611 Masterton, A. W. Hogg, G 1818 D. J, Cameron, O 1566 Paihattta. JohnO'Meara, G 1004 R. Maniaty. O 974 W. VV. McCardle, G 848 J. Taylor, G 233 G. Whitcombe, O 117 Manawatu. J. Stevens, G 1335 R. C. Bruce, O ... — „, 1264 Kellow 553 Rangitikei. F. Y. Lothbridge, O 1872 W. A. L. Bailey, G 1481 Palmerston. *F. Pirani, I 1603 D. Buick, O 1553 Wanoanui, G. Carson, O _ 2098 A. D. Willis, G 2044 BULLER. P. J. O'Regan, G „ 2234 J. Colvin, I 1942 Nelson. J. Graham, G „. ... ... 1999 H. Piper, O .. „ 1702 Christohurch Citt. O. Lewis, O 6570 *G. J. Smith, I 5838 *T. E. Taylor, I 5443 W. W. Collins, G " 5307 H. G. Ell, I 4704 H. J. JSeswick, 0 3874 M. Donnelly, O 3509 HVCullen, G .'. 3364 J. A. H. Marciel, G . °981 R. M. Taylor, G \. 555 •J, X, Partridge, I,„ „, „ ffl

' Ellesmbre, W. H. Montgomery, G 1806 F. A. Ansen, 0 1246 Selwyn. J. C. Wason, 0 1676 A. Saunders, I 1494. AsHECRTON. -^ E. G. Wright, O 1319 ! J. McLachlan, G 1080 *J. W. Savvle, I ... . 930 J. Ivess, I , 227 Geraldine. *F. R. Flatman, G 1730 A. E. C. Rhodes, O 1450 Timabu. W. Hall- Jones, G 2094 F. H. Smith, O 1539 Waitaki. Major Steward, G 1880 D. Sutherland, 0 784 C. V. Clarke, G 292 H. R. Parker, O 143 Ashley. E. Meredith, G 1710 H. F. Reeoe, O 1330 G. Renner, G 339 KAiAroi. R. Moore, O 2142 D. Buddo, G 1872 Avon. \ *W. W. Tanner, G 1552 G. Mclntyre, O 1094 J G. Swnnn, I 307 C. Burgees, G 84 RICOARTON. Hon. W. Rolleßton, O 1834 *G. \V. Ruesell, G 1443 Westland.J Hon. R. J. Seddon, G 2369 J. Grimmond, O 656 Grey. A. R. Guinness, G 2519 J. Bell, I 742 Dunbdin Cur. Soobie Mackenzie, O 7816 t J. A. Millar, G ... .„ ... 6202 H. S. Fish, O 6063 tD. Pinkerton, G 5689 W. Hutchiaon, G ... ... ... 4983 A. C. Begg, O 4409 *tW. Earnshaw, I 2421 J. Gore, O _, 1299 A. H. Burton, I „ 374 Murray AstoD, O 272 F. M. Leater, I ... .„ ... 209 D. Nicol, I 196 Caversham. ■VA. Morrison, G 2304 T. K. Sidey.l .„ 1126 *W. Wardrop, G 664 W. Barron, O 304 Waikouaiti. E.G.Allen, G _ 1267 J. J. Ramsay, I 625 J. Green, O „ 539 *A. Thomson, I 359 G.J.Clarke, I 54 Oamaru. T. Duncan, G 2292 J. D. Sievwright, O 1528 Waihbmo. J. McKenzie, G „. 1918 J. Duncan, O 1160 Taieri. W. Carnoross, G 1681 *J. Graham, O H7o> Bbuoe. J- Allen, O „ 2238 *W. Auld, I 1145 Clutha. J. W. Thompson, O 1986 J. Edie, G 1045 *T. Ayson, G 410 J. Blair, I 203 ToAPEKA. Hon. W. J. M. Larnacb, G ... 1589 C. C.Rawlins, O 1568 Wakatipu. W. Eraser, O 1570 J. H. George, G 1214 H. Graham, 1 123 MATAURA, G. F. Richardson, O ... ... 2054 *R.McNab, G 1999 AWARUA. J. G. Ward, G .„ ... , m l siß C. Cowan, O „ 967 Invercaroilli. tJ. W. Kelly, I 2237 J. Sinclair, G 1059 W. B. Scandrett, O ... _ 646 Wallace,? N. Gilfedder, G 756 Rev T. Neave, G 641 H. S. Valentine, O ... „ 585 H. Hirat, O 487 J. Maclntoßk, G 402 Lyttelton. *J. Joyce, G ... 1728 W. Jacques, O ... 1282 *s. r. Webb, g ... .;. ;;; 446 MOTDHKA.J R. McKenzie, G 1174- --• R. Hursthouse, O , 1139 Major Franklyn, G 465 Wairau, £=. MHh, G _ 2075 T. L. Buick, I M 201*