LOOKING BACK.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 47, 5 December 1940, Page 4

LOOKING BACK.

FIFTY YEARS SYNE,

(From the “Guardian,” Dec. 5, 1890),

Elections- at Ashburton. —There was considerable commotion and, excite* ment in the vicinity of the Courthouse to-day. From nine o’clock in tho morning until we went to press a continuous stream of vehicles and pedestrians arrived and departed from the booth, while knots of persons stood’in the streets discussing the chances oi each of the four candidates. So far as could be judged from .remarks passed in conversation, there was a consensus of opinion that the contest between three of the candidates, at least, would be very close, while the chances of election of the fourth were considered to he very remote.*'The, utmost good feeling prevailed throughout the day between the supporters of tho various candidates. Inside the Court grounds Messrs Walkqv, Wright and Sawle had tents erected.'-’where every information was supplied to intending voters thereby saving tne Returning Officer (Mr Colyer), his assistants and the scrutineers insidei the polling booth, much * time and trouble. Each committee exerted itself to the utmost to secure the return of the . candidate wlroso cause had bfccn espoused, ’ and numerous buggies and vehicles were placed free of charge at the disposal-of the several candidates. The best feature of the election is the remarkable good nature displayed, by all, and it is to be hoped that this will .be throughout. We hope to give the results of the poll at all the booths in the County shortly after 10 o’clock* tonight, bar accidents. Most cf the places; of business in Ashburton were closed after noon and some of them made holiday of the Avhole day. Employers generally gaye their men facilities to record their A r otes, but it was remarkable during the midday meal hour, there was the usual rush v oI working men to the poll. Of course, about five, when work for the day is over, there will be another rash of working men. The police have taken firm measures to put a. stop to any larrikinism in the evening.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS ACO. 5

(From the “Guardian,” Dec. 5, 1915)

Pro-Entente Sympathies.—A Greek communique to Loudon says that in order to express prorE'ntente sympathies the Greeks are equipping ambulances for the British in the Balkans, and £6000; has already been subscribed.