The Star. Delivered every evening by 5 o'clock in Hawera, Manain, Normanby, Okaiawa, Eltham, Mangatoki, Kaponga, Awatuna, Opunake, Otakeho, Manutahi. Alton, Hurleyville, Patea, and Waverley. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1914. THE ELECTIONS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue LXVIII, 11 December 1914, Page 4

The Star. Delivered every evening by 5 o'clock in Hawera, Manain, Normanby, Okaiawa, Eltham, Mangatoki, Kaponga, Awatuna, Opunake, Otakeho, Manutahi. Alton, Hurleyville, Patea, and Waverley. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1914. THE ELECTIONS.

The complete results of . yesterday's polling are not yet available, and the returns still to come may affect the issue ih several instances. But it looks as if it may be a very close thing at the finish, and moreover it appears as if there may be a very unsatisfactory position for the country. On present figures Mr Massey has a solid party of 38, and Sir Joseph Ward has 30, with eight Labor members. On a recount and the inclusion of absentee voters this position may be altered, but in the event of revision being adverse to Mr Massey in several cases Sir Joseph Ward wili still be at the mercy of the Labor party. If the complete returns in the at present doubtful cases be in favor of Mr Massey he will be able to maintain his position against the Ward and Labor parties combined. On a general view of the returns it appears, though there are some exceptions, that the votes in the cities and large towns have gone against the Government; while the country electorates have favored them. Taranaki has again proved its solidity for the Reform party. In New Plymouth, Stratford, and Egmont the sitting members have increased their majorities'. In the case of Patea the majority has been materially reduced, and possibly may be further affected by votes yet to be counted, but Mr Pearce's chance appears to be good. In Taranaki, generally speaking, the election has been fought in very good temper. We congratulate both victors and vanquished on this, and venture to express the hope that whatever little acerbity may have been generated will be speedily forgotten.