SECOND BALLOT CERTAIN

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8482, 17 July 1913, Page 7

SECOND BALLOT CERTAIN

-MANY CONFLICTING INTERESTS AT WORK. Special to the "Times." GREYMOUTH, July 16. On tho eve of the by-election for Grey it is possible to prophesy only ono result with any degree of certainty, and that is that a second ballot will be. necessary. There is a wide divergence of opinion as to the candidates who will go before the electors again. Mr Webb, of course, is the puzzling feature. His candidature causes a split In the vote, and this condition naturally militates against ilr Hannan. . On the other hand. Sir Michel has an undivided party behind hiin, which has been roinforced by tho no-licenso vote. The sectarian issue has, unfortunately, been raised, and this will favour him. Still, it is certain that the Progressive vote will easily outnumber that of the "Reformer." With such conflicting interests at work it is not an easy matter to gauge the situation. I opine that there will be tolerably close polling. Last night Mr Michel addressed his final meeting: in Greymouth. His remarks were also solely confined to a criticism of his Liberal opponent, and to the "Star," which has championed Mr Hannan's cause. Ho was followed by Mr D. Jones. the "Reform" organiser, who sepnt his time solely in complaining of the "Star" being against them. It is understood that Mr Munro, who twice unsuccessfully contested Buller, will speak at Reefton to-night in favour of Mr Michel. ENTHUSIASTIC MEETINGS. Press Association. GREYMOUTH, July 16. ' Mr Hannan, the Liberal candidate, in the Town Hall, and Mr P. C. Webb, ffche Social-Democfr-atic candidate, in the Drill Hall, each adaressed large and enthusiastic meetings to-nifrht. Tho poll to-morrow promises to be a heavy one. Although each candidate is confident of reaching the secocf ballot, very little will separate the three cantbdatea. The Labour vote will be very solid. Mr Hannan, on account of his personal popularity and the strong Liberal feeling on the Coast, will poll well. M Michel's fine i>latform work rapidly improved his position, and he is considered likely to Teach the second ballot.