THE WAIPA ELECTION.

Auckland Star, Volume IX, Issue 2588, 24 July 1878, Page 2

THE WAIPA ELECTION.

SPECIAL TRAIN TO MERCER.

This morning a special tram left Auckland at 11 o'clock with electors en route for Mercer, which is the nearest polling place The expense of the special has been equally borne by the respective committees of Messrs McMinn and Whitaker. Ifc wag arranged in order net to cause unnecessary loss of time to voters, thai the tiain should do the trip in l.y hours to Mercer, stay 3 of an hour, and then return.

A large number of electors went up by the special train. Among them I observed ii number of warm supporters of tlie present Government, and also a number who are known to be ve.y anti-Grey in their sentiments. Among (hose on the train were Messrs J. S. Mac.Tarlsne, M.H.R., James Dilworth, Beetham, Clements, W. Taylor G.JB. Owen,Lennox, and others. Altogether upwards of GO were on board. A VOTER LOST.

Great excitement at Penrose was caused by a voter from Howick boing left behind. Chagrin marked the expressive features of McMinn's commander-in-chief as the train swept past the gallant captain close to the station.

A number of natives came from Rangareri by the morning Waikato train, expressing their intention of voting for " McMinny," others arc cvpected down in canoes. The greatest unanimity prevails among the assembled voters. Mr Wells is Returning Officer.

(From, our own Ccrrospondsnts.)

Hamilton, 10.50 a. m,

Intense excitement prevails hero over the election. Every possible vote is being whipped in early. Whitaker is expected to to poll four to one here. A new squib has arrived from Alexandra. McMinn's friends have started for Whatawhaia with a bundle of blankets to keep the Maori warms. The town is alive with Whitaker _ posters, and McMinn's squibs. Mr McMinn arrived .here shortly before two o'clock from Alexandra. THE RESULT. The polling here resulted : Whitaker ... £<} McMinn ... 15 A_e_a>;or.\, this day. McMinn is expected to have a majority here. OfIAUPO, this day. Whitaker has evoked the spirit of the "fatherland" by advocating another polling place. The Germans are complaining that they are treated like cattle, being polled iv a sale-yard. Te Awamutu, this day. The boys are rolling up for McMinn. __„v,3 1* i.iii._. i i_«t_iij. raging ' j.ire Rocky Road to Dublin.-' McMinn will poll three to Whitaker's two here. WII ATA WHAT A. I\ Tews from Whatawhata, by special messenger to Hamilton, says that two native agents from Auckland are busily engaged for McMinn. Every native is dressed in a new suit of the orthodox blanket, aud drinking Sir George Grey's health in Te Rood's favourite brand of rum. Xgap.uaya.iiia, this day. This is looked on as the darkest place in the district. The betting is even, though 4 to 1 is freely offered iv Hamilton on Whitaker. It is reported that several attempts at impersonation have hebii detected, and that there is likely to be criminal proceedings. Raglan. Messengers have arrived at Hamilton from Raglan. Both sides are very sanguine. This is another dark place.