THE GENERAL ELECTION.

Evening Post, Volume LXIV, Issue 132, 1 December 1902, Page 5

THE GENERAL ELECTION.

THE EGMONT SEAT. MR. JENNINGS RETURNED. [BY TELEGRAPH — PBESS ASSOCIATION.. NEW PLYMOUTH, This Day. The official return from Parihaka alters the figures of the Egmont electorate, giving Jennings a majority of seven. Leech's figures at Parihaka were 18, instead of 31. OAMARU, 29th November. The Returning Officer made the official declaration of the result of the Parliamentary poll this afternoon. The Minister of Lands (Hon. Mr. Duncan), in returning; thanks, promised to follow the policy of the late Sir John M'Kenzie. HOKITIKA, This Day. The final results for the Westland constituency are :— -Seddon, 2983; Isitt, 241. (from ottr own correspondent.) DUN-EDIN, 29th Nov. The presentation to Mr. Bedford, M.H.R., is to be made on Monday night. It will consist of a gold watch and chain. Mr. Bedford refused a purse of sovereigns which it was proposed to give him to defray his election expenses. CARTERTON, This Day. At a meeting of Wairarapa Liberals held on Saturday night it was decided to reorganise' the party, and to present Mr. Hornsby with a testimonial. The Premier has received a, telegram from Mr. Guinness in reference to some statements attributed to him as to the result of the elections. Mr. Guinness says :—"I: — "I never said the Opposition was J the strongest yet opposed to the Government. Did say the Opposition was stronger than in last Parliament. Also said thought Opposition had twenty-six certain and four doubtful. Statements in regard to Ell, Tanner, Fisher, and M'Nab absolute fabrications. Remarks re Sir Maurice O'Rorke and Sir William Russell fairly correct ; they were made in connection with the Dunedin Star correspondent's telegram that Sir William Russell should be Speaker. Immediately on arrival here of Evening Post which contains the statements attributed to me, shall wire correction. Am astonished at my remarks being published, as they were made in private conversation." Another Deputy Returning Officer (" No. 31 ") takes up the cudgels on behalf of his chief for the conduct of the Wellington elections. He wishes to say that the arrangements were complete and excellent, and that Mr. Thomson visited his booth four times during the day to see that everything was working smoothly. This correspondent thinks Mr Thomson can creditably hold his own even against Mr. W- P. James, who was considered the smartest returning officer in the colony. We have the authority of Mr. Hislop foo stating that he has not taken and does not contemplate taking any steps towards unseating Mr. Barber for Newtown. A well-attended meeting of Mr. Pirani's supporters was held at Petone on Saturday evening, when it was decided to tender Mr. Pirani a complimentary "social" in recognition of his plucky action in contesting at a moment's notice the Hutt election. Sub-committees were formed to carry out details, and the proposal was enthusiastically taken up.