RESULTS OF THE POLL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XVIII, Issue 6261, 10 December 1881, Page 5

RESULTS OF THE POLL.

The "eneral elections which took place yestcrdav, were conducted with a public spirit ,n,l interest which lias rarely, if ever, been fljtnessed in Auckland hitherto. Business for tbe day was practically suspended, and the streets, especially iu the vicinity of the polling-places, blocked up by knots of electors discussing the merits of the candidates thrv fancied and the prospects of political parties. In spite of the provisions of the Corrupt Practices Prevention Act, a number of cabs were plying as usual, but whether they had been "bought" some days previously or "lent" for the occasion is not yet quite clear. Some of the candidates, notably Mr. J. M. Clark, in City East, were fortunate iu having a. large number of personal friends who put their private carriages at their disposal for the day. Throughout the day we did not see a single ease of intoxication, notwithstanding the large numbers of people congregated together, and the strong excitement ruling. This may be attributed to the ballot, and the legal prohibitions against treating. The "sporting" fraternity as usual were turning ov«ran honest penny in betting ou the various district elections —the Gaming and Lotteries ' Act to the contrary notwithstanding— and mixing, up the prospects of candidates with the " events" of the Auckland Summer Meeting in a manner which was positively ludicrous. One little bookmaker was heard to say he would stand "the field" for "a tenner" for City West. The betting on CityBast was 2 to I on Sir George Grey, 20 to 1 the double —Clark and anything in thu Cup or Steeple. One of Grey's supporters —a committeeman — was running about ollering to lay level "fivers" that his man would head the poll by a "century." He was pluckily taken up by some of the "hawks. ■' i'robably never so much money has ouauu'i'd hands before as over yesterday's election. .Shortly af er the close of the poll, the entrances to the newspaper offices were blocked up by eager and excited crowds, anxious to a3CL'rtain"the returns from the several station?, and hundreds of "extras " giving the results were issued till a late hour, at the Hkkald publishing office, Queen-street. General satisfaction was expressed at tlie result of the City el-jctions, the Liberal party being pleased at the return of Sir George Grey, and their opponents at the return of Messrs. Peacock ami Daryaville, which will give the city a stronger representation than it has had for many years past. The return of Sir George Maurice O'Korke was hailed with pleasure by men of all shades of opinion, and his large majority a victory which no oue grudged him. Mr. Shuehun i\as equally fortunate in enjoying the good wishes of the public, for on the telegram heing posted up outside our otiice announcing his return for the Thames, the assembled crowd gave three hearty cheers forthe ex-Native Minister. There is some talk of a protest being ledged against Mr. Pi-aeoek's return, on the ground that his committee-room was 1 oarded on in the portico of the Temperance-hall, where the polling took place, but it is not believed anything will come out of it.