THE ELECTIONS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LVIX, Issue 2999, 10 December 1896, Page 3

THE ELECTIONS.

THE WELLINGTON CITY SEAT, A STRANGE MISTAKE. MR WILSON HEADS MR MENTEATH. The recount of the votes polled for the Wellington City seats on the memorable fourth has been concluded by Mr W. P. James and his assistants. The work occupied a considerable time, from Monday morning until yesterday afternoon. result is that the three gentlemen originally declared elected remain so, but Mr Charles Wilson is fifth on the list instead of Mr A. A. S. Menteath, who Is ten votes behind Mr Wilson, whereas on the first count he was 56 ahead. When going through tho roll a strange mistake was discovered. There were three polling places at the Exchange Hall, and not only wore the vptea at each sent along to Mr James at the principal booth, the Skating Rink, but the total of tho throe combined as woll. By a mistake the total return was counted as cue booth, and £wo singles counted in also. The latter have now been deducted. We believe that plural voting was indulged in to-' some extent, but whether by voters themselves, or others who personated them it is of course impossible to say. We understand, however, that enquiries are now being instituted, and if any definite charge » can be made against the persons concerned, the facts will be laid before Mr James. The alterations in the totals show that Mr John Hutcheson has 546 less than originally ; Sir R. Stout, 530 less'} Mr G. Fisher, 525 less; Mr Atkinson, 463 less; Mr Wilson, 408 loss; Mr Menteath, 534 less; Mr Fraser, 97 less; Mr Powell, 9 less; Mr Warburton, IQ less! We ;ppbliah the correct returns, and those originally

The work of rooounting.tho local option poll papers is now proceeding. THE WaYbAEAPA. JProm Oar Oreytown Correspondent. The enthusiasm had evidently not died out on Monday last when Mr Hornsby’s joint committees met at Carterton to say «« revoir to the candidate. There were over 300 present from Carterton, Greytown, Martinborongh and Peatherston, including about 120 ladies, Mr Hornsby, in returning thanks, made a most telling speech, jn which he advised his friends to keep

together. The speech, which lasted about half an hour, was loudly applauded throughout, and at the end the speaker was made to know that all the gardens had not been divested of their content?, as a number of floral tributes W’jre handed him, and to an outsider it would seemed that tho meeting was convened -o congratulate a victor instead of being _v meeting to say good-bye to the defeated candidate. It must indeed have been pleasant to Mr Hornsby to see that, notwithstanding tho malicious slanders which had been circulated, eo many °pd true women were present to testify their disbelief in the cruel statements. One ox tho most pleasant meetings ever hold in the Wairarapa broke up with cheers for Mr and Mrs Hornsby, Mr and Mrs Seddon and the Government.

EGMONT. Special to the New Zealand Times. Stratford, December 9. Tho official declaration of the poll was carried out this afternoon in the old-time English style. A gaily decorated platform had been erected in the centre of the town, and the three candidates addressed a crowd of principal townspeople. . Mr Harkmwj said ho wished publicly to deny a scandalous rumour spread broadcast by tho Opposition to tho effect that the Government were paying all his election expenses, in order that h© might assist Mr Sycros in keeping out Mr Monkhouse, the Opposition candidate. It was deliberately untrue. He had paid all his expenses out of his own pocket, and, instead of tho Government assisting him, they seemed opposed to his return. He felt in duty bound to hia constituents to deny such an untruth as tho Opposition had spread, and thought they wore devoid cf moral courage in not acknowledging their error when challenged. Tho Town Band played spirited selections during the ceremony. Mr Symes was loudly cheered, and presented with handsome bouquets. He afterwards entertained his committee, and invited friends and foes alike to a banquet at the Club Hotel.

TUAPEKA, Special to the New Zealand Times, Lawrence, December 9. Tho Returning Officer announced at the official declaration of the poll to-day that Mr Larnacb's majority for the Tuapeka seat was 21, the number of votes cast being as follows: Larnach ... ... ... 1559 Rawlins 1698 In returning thanks. Mr Larnach said his majority was certainly not a large one, but he was satisfied that if ho had had more time to go through the electorate he would have secured a much larger number of votes. His opponent had resorted to all kinds of dishonourable practices to win votes, and bad not been mealy-mouthed in his condemnation of the Government and their policy. If he (Mr Larnach) was to suffer defeat he hoped it would be at tho hands of a man who had some regard for truth and principle, not a political mountebank or clap-fciap politician. The speaker next referred to an article in that day's issue of the Tuapeka Times headed ** The Premier's Pickings," in which reference was made to the amounts Mr Seddon drew ns “ house allowance," as “ travelling expenses," ns u chairman of tho Assets Board" and as " member of tho Anglo-German Mining Syndicate." He stigmatised the article as a tissue of lies and branded the writer as a low, mean, white-livered hound, who was a disgrace to the community and should be kicked out of tho place os a skunk. He would bring the article under Mr Seddon’s notice, and the writer would yet hear more about it. Three cheers were given for Mr and Mrs Larnach as well as the Government.

Later in the day Mr Larnach was escorted to the train for Dunedin by a number of people, a Highland piper lending the procession. TESTIMONIAL TO MR W. W. COLLINS. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christchurch, December 9. A meeting of Mr W. W. Collins* combined election committees was held tonight, when a resolution was passed expressing regret at his loss to political life, and to secure the co-operation c£ the Liberals in presenting him with, a testimonial. The meeting, which was very large and enthusiastic, resolved not to disband, in order to facilitate Mr Collins* re-entry into Parliament. Considerably over -8100 towards tho testimonial wag subscribed in the room. Auckland, December 9. The seamen's vote increases Sir Maurice O'Rotko's majority for the Manukau to 215. __ .THE BATTLE OP THE FOURTH. With banners high they forward boro, Xu phalanx deep and long, Like to tho mail.olad host? of yore. In brazon armour strong. Their foremost tanka exultant shout, And raise the battle cry, Anticipate the final root, And reign of tyranny. When lo ! npontbe mountain pido, The people's hosts wo see. Deop-rolling like tho swelling tide, Presaging victory. Tho tyrant hosts in wild dismay, Defeated, backward roll ; The people's legions win the day, Victorious at the Poll. No widow’s tears nor orphan’s cry Shall mar our joys this day, Ours is a glorious victory, For Truth hath led the way.

printed, below > Corroot Original return. return. Hntoheson ... ... 6110 6957 Stoat ... .„ 6305 6341 IiBbor ... 58 8 6383 Atkinson ... . ... 5830 6285 'Wilson ... 6569 . 6037 Montoath .,. 5569 6093 Ftaaor ... 1811 1908 Powell ... 185 m Warburton ... 91 101