BRITISH BY-ELECTIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19891, 9 March 1928, Page 9

BRITISH BY-ELECTIONS.

WOMAN LIBERAL ELECTED.

WIFE OF A SITTING MEMBER.

SEAT REGAINED FOR PARTY.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. A. and N.Z.-Sun. LONDON, March 7.

The result of tha by-eiection for the St. Ives division of Cornwall, rendered necessary by the elevation to the Bench of Mr. J. A. Hawke, was as follows: Mrs. Walter Runciman (Lib.) 10,241 Sir Andrew Caird (Con.) .. .. 9,478 Mr. Fred. Hopkins (Lab.) .. .... 4,343 Mrs. Runciman is the wife of Mr. Walter Runciraan, Liberal member for Swansea West. The result of the byelection establishes a precedent in the House of Commons, as husband and wife will sit together, both being Liberals. It is a less piquant situation than if they belonged to opposing parties. Mr. Walter Runciman at present sits next to MrLloyd George on the front bench, and the question arises whether Mrs. Runciman will be permitted to sit next to her husband or more humble place on the back benches.

The victory ha 3 set the Liberal bells ringing. The Conservatives do not disguise the fact that the turnover of votes is considerable, although they point out that St. Ives has the reputation of being a persistent "wobbler." The Daily Express says: "It is a sharp disappointment to the Government, as every by-election now assumes a new significance. It shows that the revival of Liberalism is not a mere wish, but a vital fact. Events definitely point to Liberalism .taking its rightful place as the natural alternative to a Conservative Government.

The 1924 election for St. Ives resulted: Mr. J. Hawke, K.C. (Con.), 11,159; Sir C. Cory (Lib.), 9972. Sir C. Cory who was defeated, was the sitting member, bo that the seat has been regained by the Liberals. MIDDLESBOROUGH WEST LIBERALS RETAIN SEAT. . NARROW MAJORITY' GAINED. _____ (Received slarch. 8, 7.53 p.m.) A. and N.Z.-Sun.' c LONDON, March 7. The by-election for the Middlesborough West seat, rendered vacant by the death of the sitting member, Mr. 'Trevelyan Thomson (Liberal), was held to-day. The result was: Mr. Kingsley Griffith (Lib.) .. 10,717 Mr. A. Eilis (Lab.) .. .. 10,628 Mr. Stanley Sadler (Con.) .. 8,213 it At the .last general election the late Mr. Trevelyan Thomson was elected unopposed for the Middlesborough West s»at. The by-election retains the seat for the Liberals.