THE SECOND BALLOT.

Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 297, 14 December 1911, Page 7

THE SECOND BALLOT.

LAST ROUND OF THE FIGHT.

GREAT rEBERAX RAIXY AT PARrrELL.

The Oddfellows' Hall. Parnell, was athrob with enthusiasm last evening, the well-wishers of Sir John FindUy filling every available inch of space, and even hanging on to such precarious hold as the window-sills, while many had to turn away disappointed or be content to stand outside in the rain and gather what satisfaction they might from the continuous bursts of applause and cheering that issued from the building. The appearance of the candidate and Lady Findlay was the signal for a tumultuous outcry of enthusiasm, while roars of applause also greeted Mr. Frank Lawry and Mr. M. J. Mack as they took their scats on the platform. Prior to the" business part of the meeting a beautiful floral horseshoe, worked in the candidate's colours, was presented to Lady Findlay from the ladies of Parnell. Sir John made another stirring appeal to the supporters of Liberalism, and declared amid enthusiastic applause that he had fought the fight off his own bat, having declined the help of both Sir Joseph Ward and Sir James Carroll. As a sportsman, he preferred to go down rather than rely on outside assistance. Mr. Mack announced that his action in assisting Sir John Findlay for the second ballot had been endorsed by his own organisation, the largest Labour organisation in New Zealand. (Applause.) Messrs. A. Passer, T. Long, F. LawTy and W. J. Speight all made vigorous appeals. The party opposed to Sir John Findlay, declared the last-named speaker, were bitterly opposed to all that Liberalism had achieved for the wage-earners during the last twenty years, and if they attained power, then the great hattle of Liberalism would have to be fought all over again. (Applause and cheers.) The gathering concluded, amid a scene of enthusiastic cheering and with singing ''For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." MR. DICKSON AT NEWMARKET. The Newmarket Hall was crowded out last night on the occasion of final speeches by Mr. J. S. thekson and W. F. Massey, MJ\, and while Mr. Massey for an hour and a half engaged the people in the hall with the hopes and aims of the Reform party, Mr. Dickson addressed the overflow outside the hall.

GREY LYNN. The Pon. George Fowlds had a splendid final gathering of electors of Grey Lynn last night. Owing tv the inclement weather, the meeting could not be held in the open, so St. Peter's Presbyterian Church was thrown open. This was literally packed, and as many hundreds were unable to gain admission. The Primitive Methodist Church was also secured, and an overflow meeting was held there, speeches being delivered by various friends until Mr. Fowlds had finished at the other church. Both meetings were orderly and most enthusiastic, Mr. Fowlds being accorded votea of thanks and confidence. WAITEMATA. SIR J. CARROLL'S LAST WORD. Sir James Carroll spoke a. final word in the present campaign last night to an overflowing meeting of Waitemata electors in the "Post" Hall, Devonport. Long before thegtime for commencement every seat in the hall had been taken, and when Sir James appeared, accompanied by Mr. W. J. Napier, the Liberal candidate in the Waitemata contest, the platform, passage ways, and porticoes were crowded out. Large numbers failed to gain admittance, while many clambered on window-sills and adjoining roofs. The Mayor of Devonport (Mr. Wm. Handleyl presided. Mr. Napier also made a brief, but telling, speech, in the eourac of which he urged support for the Liberal party, whose .successful legislation had made New Zealand at once the envy and pride of other parts of the Empire.

A vote of thanks to Sir James Carroll, and a vote of confidence in Mr. Napier, were carried with great heartiness, and without a single voice being , raised in dissent. Cheers were given for the chairman.

LABOURS FRIEND.

TELEGRAM FROM MB. TKEGE4H. At an enthusiastic meeting of Sir John Findlay's supporters in Parnell last night, Mr. A. Rosser, in urging the workers to rally round the Liberal flag, read the following telegram received that, day -from Mr. Edward Tregear: — "Opposition here f in Wellington) deadly opposed to workers doing their utmost to prevent tie return of Labour candidates. They are also viciously opposing Hogg at Masterton, who, they know, has been laid aside by sickness for some time. Their attempt to get workers' help for Conservative candidates is by their actions conclusively shown to" be unnatural. Strongly recommend workers to support Liberal party, with whom we can work. Tt would be a calamity to workers if Opposition, who are snpportcd by large landowners, came into power. They would reduce borrowing by selling endowments and Oown settlement lands, and by doing so keep themselves in power for many years. —E. Tregear." PRESIDENT A&EXD TO RESIGN. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) DUNEDIN, Wednesday. At- a special meeting of the Dunedin Labourers' Union to-night a motion was carried by 25 votes to 17 repudiating the action of the president (lir. Perry) in supporting the candidature of Mr. Bedford for Dunedin West without the authority of the union, and asking him to resign forthwith. It was decided by 24 votes to 16 to support the candidaturo of Mr. Millar. THE CANTERBURY SEATS. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) CHRLSTCHUBCH, Wednesday. There ia little to add to what I hare ■aid already about to-morrow's prospect*. Both candidate* lor Christchurcfa Berth an confident, and. tha

itself over Mr. Hall's candidature, appears satisfied that Mr. J. Allen's invasion of the constituency last night probably did not help the Opposition much, and Mr. Isitt should retain his seat. Mr. Davey has been making great strides in Christchurch East, and it looks as if Labour will rally round him, while Dr. Thaoker no longer commands the liquor vote. There shouiil be a fine contest all the way. Avon will provide another keen struggle between Mr. Russell and Mr. McCombs, and the prospects of the sitting member still appear on paper to be a shade better than his opponent's. The Conservatives have been putting forth strong efforts in Riecarton, but Mr. Alien's address in support of Mr. Ensor was not particularly well received, and Mr. Witty has no cause for alarm at the invasion of his electorate: In Kai.ipoi and in Ashbnrton both 6ides continue confident, and Wsiitaki may return to its traditional Liberalism, thou V.. probably there will be littlt) margin between the candidates.