THE ELECTION.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 4822, 27 November 1902, Page 5

THE ELECTION.

THE GOVERNMENT MAJORITY. WHAT THE PREMIER THINKS ABOUT IT. Asked last night what ho thought about tho published statement that there was a reduced Government majority, the Premier said:—Going into tho number of votes recorded for tho Government, Opposition, Independent, liberal and prohibition, tbo results are startling. Taking the figures from the “Now Zealand Times” this morning, and leaving out of calculation tho Solwyn, Egmont and Raugitikei returns, and taking half tho. votes from Manson, Palmerston North, T. E, Taylor, Christchurch, Allison, Christchurch, and T Mackenzie, Waikouaiti, and 2000 from Bedford Dunedin (these being prohibition and not Opposition votes), it will bo found that there wero 209,976 votes east for Government candidates, 110,039 for the" Opposition, 14,075 Independent Liberals, and 13,599 Prohibitionists. As between tho Government and tho Opposition the votes give a •majority of 159,337 to tho Government,, and it' may be taken that the great bulk of. Independent Liberal and Prohibitionist votes wero more for the Government than for tho Opposition. In the majority of constituencies where Oppositionist candidates were returned, the majority of votes polled were for the Government. Thus at Kaipara wo seo that Mr Harding was elected with 1003 votes cast for "him, -while Government candidates 2205 votes were cast. Practically ho has only a third of the votes cast, and on a second ballet he would he defeated by a thousand votes, and yet ho is the sitting member. In the same way at Auckland Messrs Hannan and Bradley only got 2210 votes between them'-, while the Government candidates' polled 20,935, not including Mr Kidd (7511 votes), who, though classed as an Independent has promised to support tho 'Government on crucial divisions The same thing obtains at Ohinemuri, where Messrs Poland and Jackson Palmer, both Government supporters, have polled 2108 votes, as against 1454 for Mr Moss tho member who has been re-: turned. In tho Bay of Plenty, again, Mi- Homes has been returned with 2047 votes, whde 2223 votes have been polled for tho Government supporters who opposed him. In tho case of a single contest, Mr Homes would have been defeated by a majority ct 170. Tho samo thing applies to Raugitikei, where 1152 votes have been cast tor Mr Birch, tho Opposition ' -while Mr Remington, tho successful contestant,. and those who supported tho Government, polled 2303 votes, thus giving tho Government supporters 1211 more votes than tho Opposition. In Nelson 3649 votes were cast for the Government and 512 for tho Opposition. ■ At Hunanui, whore Mr Rutherford, a Government candidate, was returned, the Government supporters polled 2744 votes to Mr Reece’s (tho Opposition candidate) SBO, or a majority of ISO 4. At Christchurch thcro was not . an Opposition candidate, but leaving out half of Mr Taylor’s votes as having boon probably recorded hy Oppositionists, and placing lialf of Messrs Turnbull’s and Allison’s as coining under tho samo category, wo find that tho Government,votes polled wei-o 37,904, as against a probable 7176 polled on behalf of the Opposition. At Dunedin tho vote for the Government was 29,344, hut ip addition to that tho Government was entitled to take 2000 votes from Mr Bedford as having been polled by prohibition Government supporters. This would reduce Mr Bedford down to 8060 votes and givo tho Government a total of 31,344.. At Taieri, Mr Donald Reid (Opposition) had scored 1513 votes,, as against 2503 oast for tho Government candidates opposed to him. Clutha also had elected a minority representative. Thus the Opposition had minority representation ' in Kaipara, Ohinemuri, Bay of .Plenty, Courtenay, Taieri and Clutha, and one member for Dunedin. In only cue jflaco, Wakatipu, the Opposition member had a larger vote than those of tho Government nominees. Summarising - tho results, it would bo soon, that in*cho South Island 20 Government supporters had been elected, as against 9 Oppositionists and 3 independents. In the North Island, tho respective figures wore 23, 14 and 1. Exclusive of Maoris, tho Government had had 49 supporters returned, tho Opposition 23 and the independents 4; and of these three of the independents had stated that on noconfidenoo motions they would vote with tho Government. Taking the Government majority as it stood now, and exclusive of independents, it was 28; and tho Maoris could safely bo counted upon for three for tho Government. That meant that tho Government would have a majority of 31 in the next Parliament, as against 27 in the last. Therefore, while tho Government had had a majority of 27 in a Houso of 74 members, they had a majority of 31 in a Houso of 80 members. In both, country and town the Government had gained considerably, taking the number of votes cast and members returned. It was quite safo to say that under ordinary conditions, Kaipara, Ohinemuri, Bay of Plenty and Courtenay would have returned Government' representativos, and this would have' made the •Government majority .up to 35. ’ In tbo face of those facts, it was preposterous for any person to sa|y that tho Government bad lost ground. Even in the city of 'Wellington, if there Lad been a straight-out issue with three candidates on either side, the Government would have triumphed. . As it was, the three Opposition candidates had polled 20,725 votes, against 21,474 recorded on behalf of Government .supporters. If it had been a contest with throe on either side. 0908 votes would have been polled for each of the Opposition and 7158 each for the Government candidates. Even alloy ing for personal votes, still the fact remained that there was a majority for tho Government in Wellington. Last year the Government m»jonty was only 27, and that included

some very doubtful ones. This time there wero fewer independents and a more decided Government majority than in tho last Parliament. When the Government first came into office, they only had a majority of 8 members, as against 31 to-day. Under tho circumstances, it wont without saying that ho (tho Premier) was delighted with the results. That day he had had it from ono of the Opposition members that they would have a very up-hill fight against such long odds as more than two to one.

TUESDAY’S POLLING. SOME REMINISCENCES AND COMPARISONS. Although tho influence of tho Farmers’ Union was felt in tho election, it was not to such an extent as had been anticipated. Tho lato organising secretary, Mr'A. G. Glass, stood for tho Bay cf Islands seat in tho Opposition interest, but the sitting member, Mr R. M. Houston, defeated him by 410 votes. In tho Manukau contest, the union’s candidate, Mr M. M. Kirkbrido, was more successful, defeating tiio sitting member, Sir G. M. O’Rorko, by 2-384 votes to 2140. Mr Kirkhride was president of tho Auckland Provincial Executive of the Fanners’ Union, and, ox officio, of tho first New Zealand Conference held in July last. Ho was there colonial vice-presi-dent. Ho took up a very strong attitude on the freehold and optional tenure, and his utterances attracted considerable attention. Mr Kirkhrido stood in tho Opposition interest. Ho is a fanner at Maugore, Auckland. Perhaps more important than tho success of Mr Kirkhrido is that of Mr Charles Leech in the Egmont electorate, where ho defeated tho Government candidate, Mr W. T. Jennings (late M.L.C.). Mr Leech is a young colonial of advanced radical views. Ho is a socialist, and a vigorous, fluent speaker, and, although sympathising with tho freehold, may be looked to to support tho small settlement system which has done so much for his own electorate. Mr Leech hold a high office in the Taranaki executive of the union, and is now on tho "colonial executive. His voice will probably ho heard and his influence felt in tho interests of advanced legislation. In Patoa, Mr F. H; Hasolden (O.), who formerly represented tho constituency, was defeated by' Mr W. O. Symes, formerly member for Egmont, hy 443 votes. In Raugitikei, tho union was championed at disadvantage, owing to tho fact that Mr W. J. Birch (O.) and Mr R. E. Hornhlow (L.) both ran under its colours. But for the difference of party, tiie united votes plight possibly have gained the scat from Mr A. E. Remington, the Government nominee, who defeated Mr Birch hy 191 votes. Mr Birch 1 is a largo runlioldor at Moawhango. Ho was ono of the first advocates of the union in tho Rangitikoi. and is on tho colonial executive.

11l tho South Island, tho most interesting Farmers’ Union candidate was Mr H. F. Recce, of Rangiora, who contested the Hurunui seat against an array of candidates, all of whom wero, to a greater or less Extent, supporter? of the union. The result was that although ho polled 880 votes,, almost as many as Mr Meredith, the late member, they wero all out-distanced by Mr A. W. Rutherford, tho .Government nominee. Tho new members for Taieri and Riccarton, Mr Donald Reid, "junr., and Mr Witty, aro also unionists. There are, of course, other electorates in which tho successful candidates are supporters of tho union, hut as tho union executive wisely refrained from advising anything in tho way of plumping, it announced very few candidates as its choice. Tho ton nominations of Mr F. W. Isitt on behalf of the Now Zealand Allianoo .met with successes of striking similarity. The votes polled by Mr Isitt ranged from 35 in the Thames to 1536 in .Waiapu.. Tho xiresent state of the figures shows that in Hokitika, where ho opposed Mr Seddon, and at tho Thames, Mr Isitt’s deposit will be forfeited. His aggregate in the ten electorates was 5904, against the 26,097 polled by tho successful candidates. Tho figures for tho four cities show some interesting comparisons. Confining the comparisons to the successful candidates, tho aggregates polled for tho different parties aro as follows: Auckland —Government 15,334; Independent, 0819. Wellington—Government, "6542; Opposition, 14,644. Christchurch—Government, 6323; Independent (prohibitionist), 15,987. Dunedin —Government, 17,710; Opposition (prohibitionist), 10.060. At the_ general election of 1899 'the corresponding figures ■ wero, as follows: —Auckland — Government, 11,674; Opposition, 4734. Wellington—Government, 6502; Opposition, 14,228. Christchurch—Government, 7685; Opposition, 12,489. Dunedin—Government, 25,351.

Tho aggregate numbers of votes polled at the four centres in 1899 and m 1902 were as follows: —Auckland—1899, 38,569; 1902, 39,878. Wellington—'lß99, 43,962; 1902, 42,199. Christchurch—lßo9, 43,139; 1903, 45,079. Dunedin—lßo9, 45,205; 1902, 39,404. Mr B. Thompson, who was defeated for Marsden, polled, just six votes more than at the election of 1899, when ho defeated his opponents with lots in hand. Sir Maurice 'O’Rorke (defeated by Mr M. M. Kirkhrido for Maunkan), polled 1031 to spare in 1899, when hr three opponents aggregated 22 votes less tlian he polled. Mr Jackson Palmer defeated the present member for Ohinomnri, Mr B. G. B. Moss, in 1899. Mr D. Lundon stood against Mr Herries m 1899, and appears to have suffered at this election by multiplicity of candidates. Mr McGuire defeated Mr O. E. Major in 1899; the position on Tuesday was reversed. Mr A. E. Remington, the member for Bangitikei, was ■ defeated by Mr G. Hutchison for Patea. The position in Wairarapa in 1899 was: Hornsby, 1852; W. C. Buchanan, 1716. On Tuesday it was: Buchanan, 2049Hornsby, 1983. Mr P. J. O’Began. who ran fourth for Wellington city, was defeated for Buller in 1899 by Mr Colvin by 537 votes. Mr Meredith in 1899 had a majority of 751 over Mr T. H. Caverhill for Ashley. This time ho was defeated by 694 votes among five candidates, of whom only one was an Oppositionist. Mr Maslin, defeated for Geraldine, , had a similar fate when contesting Ashburton in 1899. Mr J. Campbell, of Waimate, who stood for Waitaki' against Mr Steward in .1899. only polled 684, tho Opposition vote being split by an Independent candidate. This year, standing as an Independent, he scored 1396. Mr MoNah, member for Mataura, has widened by a few hundred his margin from Mr L W. Raymond. At tho general election of J 899 there wete hut three unopposed elections. This year opposition was' supplied by the Bov F. W. Isitt in seven electorates in which there would otherwise have been no contests.

The largest majorities obtained in the election were:—-.1. Bollard (Eden), 1513: W. F.-Massey (Franklyn), 1058; A. L. D. Fraser (Napier), 1487; Sir W. B.

Russell (Hawke’s Bay), 1443; G. Hall (Waipawa), 1537; Hon J. Carroll (Waiapu), 1G79; A. 11. Willis (Wanganui', 1433; R. McKenzie (Motueka), 1423; J. Colvin (Boiler), 2573; A. R. Guinness (Grey), 2; Hon R.- J. Soddon (Hokitika), 2G23; 11. Buddo (Kaiapoi), 1252; G. Laurenson (Lyttelton), 2172; Hon W. Hall-Jonos (Timaru), 1651: T. Mackenzie (Waikouaiti), 1750; James Allen (Bruce), 1113; J. A. Hanan (Invercargill), 1504; Sir J. G. Ward (Awarua), 1877. In 1899 there were 172 candidates for sixty-eight scats. On Tuesday there were ID9 candidates for seventy-six scats. Mr A. 11. Thomson, returning officer for Wellington City, made the most complete arrangements for the counting of the ballot papers and other matters incidental to the poll. Ho also gave tho most lucid instructions to his deputies, so as to avoid any unnecessary delay. As a result, tho returns began to flow in freely from tho booths shortly after tho poll closed. It is almost needless to say, however, that several of the deputies and poll clerks neglected to carry ou,t their instructions, and, as a result of the foolish blunders made by some of them, tho official declaration o{ the poll was considerably delayed. Mr Thomson himself boro the brunt of the work, and we tender him thanks for the courtesy extended at f;uch a busy time to the representative of tho “Times.' RETURNS PROM VARIOUS ELECTORATES.

Portlier corrected returns of 'tho polling in electorates in which th® returns nublishod yesterday wero not quite complete or have boon since amended are al Mauukau Kirkbride, 2384; O’Rorke, 21 Bay of Islands—Houston, 1593; Glass, — Mander, 183 C; Thompson, McGowan, 2437; Lucas, 1570; Isitt. 35. Ono Small return to come Waitemata *■— Alison, 240 o; Hatfield, jun., 1095. Nine seamen and traveller electoral rights to come . ■ Earnout —Leech. 1774; Jennings, 1(65. Oroua Lethbridge, 1912; iompkms, “Rangitikei Remington, 1399; Birch, 1152; Reardon, 537; Hornblow. 358; Smith, 69. Hawke’s Bay—Russell. 2330; Isitt, 887. Patea—Symes, 2038; Haselden, 214(. Wairau —Mills. 2399; Duncan, 1990; Buller—Colvin. 3310; Isitt, 767. Solwyii—Hardy, 1567; Ivess, 919; Wilson, 521. . Greymouth—Guinness, 2(62;_ Isitt, 618; informal, 60. . « Bruce— Allen, 2505; Scott, 1392. Taieri—Reid, 1505; Ramsay, 1145; Marshall. 589; Samson, 407; Wright, , 130. ' Wallace—Thompson, 2588; Gilfedder, . X< Mbunt Ida—Herdman, 1687; Ewing. *1589. Two returns to come. Wakatijm—Fraser, 1970; Boss, 1522;, Murdoch, 323; Kelly. 63.

Mr Field thanks tho electors for their expression of confidence, and says he will endeavour to justify the trust reposed in .him, , . Mr Hislop returns sincere thanks to those who supported and worked for him, Mr J. G. W; AHken thanks those who worked for his return and the Wellington citizens for the honour they have conferred upon him. Mr John Duthie thanks the electors for the honourable position they lugve placed him in, also those who actively supported him, and both sections of the press. Mr C, H. Luke thanks’ those who supported him, and especially the friends who worked so well in his interests. Mr Atkinson returns thanks to those who placed confidence in him, and hopes at a future election to be more uccessful. Mr Godber sincerely thanks his supporters and members of his committee. Dr Chappie thanks those who supported him and'his opponents for their honourable treatment.

Mr Fred Pirani, in. returning thanks for support, says he is not yet politically dead, but merely taking a rest. Mr Wilford returns thanks for support and assistance towards his election for the Hutt seat.

In thanking those electors of Newtown who voted for him, Mr Tustin declares that though defeated, he is not discouraged. but will offer ,himself on a future occasion. ; Mr Tustin states that he had received promises of numerous votes; but ou polling day no, fewer than live different organisations intimated to him that they were Withdrawing their support from him because they were satisfied that hre was not going to win. - Mr O'Regan requests his committee (ladies and gentlemen) to meet him at the committee rooms, Lambton quay, at 8 o'clock to-night. Mr W. H. P. Barber, M.H.8., who has received a great many congratulations on his election for Newtown, was serenaded at his residence in Coromandel street yesterday evening by the Newtown Brass Band. An excellent programme of music was given. The bandsmen and a number of friends were entertained by Mr and Mrs Barber.