DETAILS OF THE LOCAL RETURNS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7978, 8 December 1911, Page 1

DETAILS OF THE LOCAL RETURNS

Whether fortune was to favour them' or withhold her gracious smiles, tho candidates for political honours yesterday were able to fight the battle of the polls under the fairest auspices. The bright sunshine and the thrill of tho early summer’s day must have inspired even "outsiders” and their supporters with hopes of success. Voters were astir early, and frequenting the various booths, and throughout the day the steady stream continued. Motor cars were requisitioned in large numbers, and cabs bravely did their old-time duty; many traps also being pressed into service. As the day progressed the fair ses made their appearance, clad mostly in fashionable summer attire. The shops, hotels and places of business generally were closed at midday, and then the .rush at the booths commenced. The streets were thronged throughout the afternoon with promenaders. Candidates’ chances were discussed, but the uncertainty of the results of all the Wellington seats was a remarkable feature of the general conversation. Another feature, and a commendable one, was the absence, owing to the electoral law. of placards, flamers or disconcerting literature of any description directing electors how to vote. At the booths no electors were interfered with by zealous partisans. Even tbe advocates of "no-license” and their opponents had to he content to concentrate ;:heir energies in bringing candidates to the booths.

The arrangements worked well at all the polling centres. The improved methods, and tho simplicity of the voting papers, especially in regard to the licensing poll, was most favourably commented upon. The 'returning officers and their subordinates, though in some cases handicapped by limited accommodation, did their duties well.

The poll closed at 7 p.m. At 7.15 the returns from some of the booths began to trickle in' to the returning officers, about whom the press representatives hung like hungry hawks ready to dispatch the figures away for their display before the public. The chief returning officer for Wellington Central, Mr Hodgkins, handed out the complete returns first, and when the results were displayed on the "Times" board, showing Mr Fletcher well abreast of Mr F. M. B. Fisher, there were loud cheers of delight. After that the results, first of the Wellington seats, and then of those from various parts of tho Dominion, arrived rapidly, and each was variously received by the J crowds who were abroad in large numbers. The streets were thronged until a late hour, keen interest being evinced in tbe contests all over the Dominion. The expedition with which these results were posted up on tho large display board in front

of the "Times” office attracted the largest crowd to that vicinity. Below are given the full returns: —