POLITICAL NEWS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LVIX, Issue 3002, 14 December 1896, Page 2

POLITICAL NEWS.

All the Ministers are in Wellington now, except the Hons A. J. Cadman and J. Carroll. A complimentary banquet was given to Mr C. B. Major at the Thoatro Royal, Hawera, on Friday night by his friends and supporters. Mr R. P. Clarkson, Normauby, presided, and presented Mr Major with an influentiallyeigned address. Mr Major, in replying, acknowledged his gratitude to all who had fought so hard and well in the Liberal cause in the recent election, and pointed out that throughout the Colony over 33,000 more votes wore polled for Liberals than for Conservatives. The Government had oomo back to power for the third time—an almost if not unprecedented reign—stronger than ever. Ho regretted that a united West Coast representation had not boon returned, as it would have proved of incalculable advantage to Taranaki. Ho had found a great revulsion of feeling in favour of the Government, and' felt sure that wore the election to be hold over again the Liberal Party would win the seat. The executive of Mr J. Hutohoson’s election committee will meet this evening to receive balance-sheet and pass accounts. THE OTAKISEAT. The following are the results of the polling at tho various booths in the Otaki election i—. Candidates.

Majority for Field 460. The majority for Mr Field was originally stated at 425. The mistake arose in telegraphing the Pahaufcanui return, which first gave Dr Newman 87 instead of 57 5 the Porirua polling too, as one more in Mr Field’s favour than first reported ; and Mr Field also got qf an elector’s right. Analysing the results it will bo soon that in the Hutt Valle/, Wainui-o-mata and Day’s Bay, whore Mr Field was comparatively unknown, ho headed Dr Newman by 37; and went over the Paikakariki Hill with a lead of 31.. It will also be observed that at no single booth north of Porirna. getting into that part of the electorate where Mr Field lives and is best known, did Dr Newman got anywhere near . his opponent. This speaks volumes for Mr Field’s reputation and popularity among those who know him best. Mr Field’s Upper Hutt supporters will entertain him at a banquet to-morrow evening.

Field. Ncwtnan. Ofcaki ... 246 Ill To Horo ... 45 20 'SVaikaiiae ... 41 10 Paraparaumu ... ... 01 23 Paikakariki ... 33 8 Pahautamii ... 120 57 Wainui-o-raata ... 17 33 Taiia ... 128 106 Upper Hutt ... ... 180 224 Kaitoko ... 23 25 Levin ... 82 27 OWyJ ... 08 ■ 22 Manakau ... ... 118 42 Kikiorangi ... 41 3 Paremata ... 43 28 Porirua ... ... 55 79 TawaFlat ... 21 65 .Tohnsonville ... ... 129 155 Lay’s Bay ... 21 8 Lowor Hutt ... 291 238 Bolmont ... 29 13 Totals ... 1799 1339