LYONS FINISHES SIX VOTES AHEAD

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 2313, 4 December 1925, Page 7

LYONS FINISHES SIX VOTES AHEAD

LYTTELTON ELECTION , RECOUNT CONCLUDED Totals of Official Count Not Confirmed APPEAL TO ELECTION COURT MOST PROBxIBLE [Per Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, Last Night. Tho Lyttelton magisterial recount resulted: — Lyons (Reform) .... 4890 McCombs (Lab.) .... 4884 Informal 121 Majority for Lyons C. Mr. McCombs was asked whether he intended to proceed with a petition to the Election Court. He replied that he .had yet to consult his solicitor in connection with tho matter. In View of the fact that certain evidence was only admissible before an Election Court, It was probable that, as in the case of the Westland scat, a petition would be lodged. It is interesting lo note that there is one more vote than was shown in tho figures issued by tho Lyttelton returning ofliccr (not counting the returning officer’s vote cast In favour of Mr. Lyons). The number of votes for him on the Magisterial recount Ims decreased by ten, ns compared with the returning officer’s count and those for Mr. McCombs have decreased by 16. This is a total decrease of 26. It is stated that tho recount by the Magistrate disclosed several interesting features. The arithmetic of the official count was not confirmed. Votes wore allowed that previously had been disallowed and others wore disallowed that had been allowed by the returning officer. Ballot papers marked with a cross opposite the name of a candidate were not allowed. It-was ruled that on a Magisterial recount, evidence could not bo taken regarding the status of people resident in Ellesmere and Christchurch East at the time of enrolment and af tho time of voting in tho Lyttelton electorate. It was stated that this was n matter that could go on to an Election Court if a petition were presented. The question of electors being refused the right to vote at booths outside the Lyttelton electorate bo* cause deputies hail run out of absent voters’ permits was also ruled out as being outside tho scope of tha recount.