THE NELSON SEAT.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 25 November 1908, Page 2

THE NELSON SEAT.

THE SECOND BALLOT. A CLOSE CONTEST. The second ballot was taken iu Nelson, as in 20 or 21 oth-ar places yesterday, with the result that the verdict of the previous Tuesday, giving Mr Graham a substantial majority of about 194 votes over his l next opponent, was all but reversed. The anticipation that there would be a ffluch smaller poll was not realised, and in fact the numbers who voted as between two candidates, may be regarded I as among the largest polls ever cast in Nelson electorate. This is due entirely to the strenuous efforts of the candidates themselves and their committees. Almost every elector in .the district was circularised during the week between the two ballots, and in the city there jras practically a house to house canvass. Whatever the causes ot tne alteration, it is beyond doubt ttat the voting, both in tho Nelson and th* Waimeas, and in the Sounds, was a surprise, as unexpected as it was inexplicable, for literally nothing of mo ment, either in politics or in toe methods of Mr Graham's candidature, had been changed during the week. Early last evening, when the -eUirn. bogan to come in, the second candula.e had a strong lead, ,as the xmaUt-r Sounds returns and tho Brook-street and Port aud Oddfellows' Hall rosu.ts came in. But later on Mr Graham gradually crept to the front, tillfor a long while Richmond held the balance. A about 3 o'clock, with Brightlands, Bulwer, and Northwest Bay to come in to gether with seamen's permits Mr Graham's majority was 35, but Brightlands, which was received at about 10 o'clock, gave the second candidate a block vote of 12 (as compared with eight on the previous Tuesday), reducing tho majority to 23. Owing, it is said, to the rough Weather, Stephen s Island liighthoiuK Was difefrahchised, as the ballot boxes could not be landed. How the law stands with regard to the validity of the election in the event of there being only four or five votes between the candidates, and Stephen s Island not having been given an «.p---portunity to Vote, iS & point which doubtless will bc considered later on. The position lait ovenittg, therefore, waa somewhat uncertain* and it \as not relieved this morning, when the majority was reduced to 11 with 17 seamen a votes to count, but Mr Atmore must get 15 of th.' seventeen to secure a majority. In the intervals, between the return? being thrown on the "Evening Mail" Bcreen, about 60 specially prepared local cartoons and lightning sketches were shown. They were the work of Mr Ernest Heap, of Messrs Pitt .ind Moore's, a recent arrival from England. Tho drawings had to be made on glass, which of course is far more difficult than reproducing- effects and likenesses on paper. Mr Heap received his training at the Manchester School of Art, and he is the winner of seven scholarships. Whilst in England Mr Heap had a reputation as a black and white artist, and he has often contributed car toons to the English newspapers. Muc,b appreciation of the sketches has been expressed. The results wore shown by one of Hughes' powerful biunial lanterns, owned and operated by Mr H. A. Hobbs, and ia the biggest lantern in Nelson, and the clearness of the pictures was good testimony of the effectiveness of the lenses.