THE BY-ELECTION.

Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 193, 15 August 1911, Page 7

THE BY-ELECTION.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) GHTOSTCHURCH, this day. The by-election is being fought very keenly, and, though Mr Isitt it still considered by many of the local politicians to have the seat well in hand, there can be little doubt that Ml Hall is going to poll a very large vote. The Opposition candidate has the assistance of the "trade" organisation, and what may be called the "society" vote, which is strong in the fashionable areas of North Christchurch. He has met the Roman Catholics at a private meeting, and is believed to have some very good prospects of support in t.iiat quarter. It may be remembered 'jy some of the old hands that the late Sir John Hall had leanings towards denominational education grants. Some of the canvassers who are making house to house visits on Mr Hall's behalf have aroused a little indignation among the Liberal voters by their persistent statement that "all the ladies are voting for Mr Hall • because he got them the franchise." Mr IsStt's «'t pporters, of course, are not letting the gross grow under their feet, and, ns fur as the public meetings go, their Independent -candidate is having matters all his own wsv. He is a brilliant speakler, while Mr Hall is not, an experience? platform performer. Every motor-cat lin Christchurch seems to have been engaged for the day of the poll.