The Thames Star. Resurrexi FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1909. THINGS IN GENERAL.

THiB THAMiES ELECTION.

MR. m. H). TAYLOR RETURNED

The final returns in connection with tha second ballot for the, Thames byeelection are now to hand and though the figure are unofficial they are as under: Taylor 22i1, Lucas 1776, thus 'giving Mr. Taylor a, "majority of 460 vote®. Mr Taylor secured a very lunge majority at Thames proper, while Mr Lucas generally polled well at Coromandel and in the outlying portions of the electorate. Last night when the returns up-to-date wera mad© known,. Mr Taylor was leading by 519 votes. To-day the 7 returns fro m nine outside districts are to hand, and; Mr Taylor's, final majority is a.-, etttlte*—466. . The election, we are pleased t<* say, has been contested in the best .possible spirit. We remarked when the contest rested between two .candidates holdingvpractically tlie same views and supporting the same .party (the Government) thnr the interests tlhlat weighed at the first ballot —when: Opposition, candidates •were in the field—did not present themiselves when iMiessrs Taylor and ■Lutes were left in the running. It was then as we put it in ai sporting way "a fail' field and no favour and may thei ihesiti miam win." The election hiis been fougßb and won, and Mr Taylor 1 is returned. He will, we are Burw, secure the hearty 00-operation of all in. bis political life, and will be supported Iby all in any endeavour he makes for the future progress and weSarei of the district. The people *i Thames have shown that they are in entire accord; wfth hi| political opinions as enunciated from the platform during the recent campaign and the 1, a •was the somewhat unique position, of two Government supporters; holdin;; almost idetaJtical views on the mam points at any rsnte. fighting out .tho finish. As a justification of the Government* general policy and the people's approval of same, the result i» iraxft. satisfactory. To W Taylor therefore we proffer congratulations 00, his victory, and to Mr Lucas « tilso tender comiplimemts.a* the splendid fi«kt he part. up. Both cnnrtidatca worked! hard throughout a, strenuous campaign, and their supporter* also m mx\ work on behalf of their respcctivei sfdes. The whole election w.u contested in a sportsmanlike and creditable manner and throughout there

was an entire übvanit* of oiijaace. Ami now that the election has been fouajht 'land won, let. it here be a ■wholesome and • hearty amalgamation; ..of interests and 'witE our newly•*elected memiber to represent and assist us let all perform that they also have a duty to perform; and that- is to do the!'best they can to ensure the futuio prosperity of Thames.