THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13326, 5 November 1906, Page 5

THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

GREAT GAINS FOR THE MODERATES. LABOUR LOSES MANY SEATS. RESULTS SURPRISE BOTH SIDES. By Telegraph Press Association.—Copyright. London, November 2. The municipal elections so far have resulted in many Moderate gains in London and in Labour defeats in the provinces. In London the Moderates obtained many sweeping victories. The Pro-; gressives have been elminated in Fulham, Wandsworth, and Lewisham and reduced in other metropolitan boroughs, as well as in the provinces. (Received November 4, 5.2 p.m.) London, November 3. In the municipal elections at Camberwell, Hampstead, Shoreditch, Deptford. Kensington, and Westminster the Moderates won heavily. Labour lost 13 seats at Woolwich. The Conservatives and Unionists won many seats in the provincial boroughs. The London County Council's 3 per centum water board shares rose considerably as the result of the elections. The results of the London elections give 974 Moderates, 257 Progressives, 97 Independents, 32 Labour, and two Socialists elected. The Moderates hold a majority in 23 councils, and the Progressives in three. The Daily Chronicle says the result is due to the fear of socialism, secondly the increase in the rates, and then to the Poplar Borough Council's extravagance.

MR. BALFOUR ON THE ELECTIONS. (Received November 4, 5.2 p.m.) London, November 3. Mr. Balfour, speaking at the 1900 Club dinner in London, said the municipal elections had surprised both parties, and indicated that the country was realising the pretences' whereby the Government had climbed to office. He ridiculed Sir H. Campbell-Banncrman's weak leadership, and declared that the Premier was always willing to purchase votes by surrendering his leadership temporarily to the Irish, Welsh, or Labour sections. This, Mr. Balfour added, was, a real public danger.