THE GENERAL ELECTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14379, 24 November 1908, Page 5

THE GENERAL ELECTION

SECOND BALLOT. POLLIKgI'O-DAY. . At th© general election last week there were 23 electorates in which' no candidate received an absolute majority of tho votes recorded. In 22 of these electorates tho issue will be decided today, the exception being the Bay of Plenty, whertf the second ballot will be taken on Tuesday, December 1. I Following is a revised list of the candidales for tho various second "ballots, with tho vote obtained by them on Tuesday last:- ' ■ DUNEDIN NORTH. ' ' A. R. Barclay (G.) '3284 G. M. Thomson (0.) 3066 CHALMERS. ' E. G. Allen (0.). 2556 . E. H, Clark (G.) ,-..' 2463 TUAPEKA. .T. A,' Macphcrson (G.) ... '... 1552 R. Scott (0.) ... ' •.. 1453 WELLINGTON SOUTH. W. 11. Barber (G.) ... 2588 H. A. Wright• (1.0.1 • ..-. ... 2340 WELLINGTON SUBURBS, J. P. Luke (G.) ... 2176 J. E. Fitzgerald'(o..) 1899 WELLINGTON NORTH. A. L. Herdman (O.) 2813 , i\ A. Bolton ((J.I 1858 . WELLINGTON EAST. ' A. R, Atkinson (I.O.) ... ... 2416 D, M'Laren (Lab.) \.. 1747 WAITEMATA. L. R. Phillips (0.) ... •■ , 2917 W. J. Napier (G.) ... ... ... 2052' GISBORNE. Hon. J. 'Carroll' (G.) \„ ■ ...■ 3485 G. Darton (I.) 2062 OHINEMURI. ' H. Poland (K.) ••• ••• 2125 F. H. Hasclden (01 ...\ ..: 1280 WANGANUI. J. Hogan (G.) 3014 ■ G. Hutchison (O.) ... .;. ... 1850 PALMERSTON. D. Buick (O.) ;. 2675 - W. T. Wood (G.) ... •... ... 2626 HAWKE'S. BAY. . Sir W. Russell (0.) 1659 . A. Dillon (G.) ... ... 1518 PAHIATUA.' R. B. Ross (GO ... 1839 J. 0. Cooper (O.) ... 1239 EGMONT. B. Dive (O.) 1618 , G. P. Wake (G.) 1385' ' MANAWATU. E; Newman (0.) -../ ...; ... 2100', J. Stevens'(G)' 1794 NELSON, J. Graham (G.I 2871 H. Atmorc (G| ' ... ... 2658 . IiURUNUI. \ G. Forbes (G.) :.. 2049 0. F: Clothier (0.) ... ... ... 1399 AV,ON. G. W. Russell (G.) '2186 W. W. Tanner (ji.) ... 2162 ASIIBURTON. . F. Flalman (G.) ' ... ... ~. 2279 W. Nosworthy (O.) ... ... ... 1339 CERALDINE. W. Jeffries (0.) 1964 T. Buxton ((!.) -. 1903 TIMARU.. J. Craigie (CI.I ... .:. 2573 , 1 W. D;_ Campbell (O.) .„> ... 2457 Interest in the three Otago electorates is very keen, and a close contest in each case is expected. There being no licensing poll, and' only two candidates; tho counting of the votes should occupy less time than formerly, and'the announcement as regards Dunedin North phouid be made shortly after 8 o'clock, and 'bit of Chalmers by about 10 o'clock.In Dunedin North and Chalmers tho polling hours aro Between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., whilst, at Tuapekij the hours are 9,a.m. to 6 p.m. Umlar section -144 of " The Legislative Act, 1908," it is required of all shopkeepers within the electoral districts in which a 6econd ballot is taking place to clora their promises tin's, afternoon, .and,' the hotels in tho same districts must close from noon till 7 p.m. DUNEPIN~NORTH. Mr A. R. Barclay addressed- a crowded meeting of Dunednii North electors, in Howo street Hall last night, Mr A. Walker presiding. After Mr \ Harohvy had' dsnlt with tho various political subjects .'of tho <tay_a vote of tharis and confiuW. was carried on t.ho motion of Mr M'Donald seconded by Mr Hogg. ' Mr G. M. Thomson addressed'a very large meeting at the Albany Street School Gymnasium last evening, when ho received a cordial and 'very . attentive hearing. 1 Mr .1. ii. Wilkinson presided, and, in a, few opening remarks, paid a higb tribute to the work of 4r Thomson as a public-spirited citizen. Mr Thomson* remarks, were, to a Hup extent, on. tiho 'lines of previous addresses. At,thq conclusion of the address a motion of thanks and confidence was cn.rncd with enthusiasm, an amendment of thanks only being reject:*]. Chews'for the candidate were called for and liber-ally responded to, and a. section of. these'present 6 » counter pbecM for .the opposing canVOly largo meeting of ciromittoo was held, When tho plans for the following'day wero completed, f '

CHALMERS.

Keen interest has, been displayed in the days Mr B. H. Clark ' addreaed the electors at Normanby last night, and subsc q» ently gave another address in the Town mil at_ Port Chalmers.' : Mr ]<:. G. Allen also addressed a very largo audienco in the Foresters' Wall last evemng the Mayor .(Mr- John Mill)- presiding. The H0,,. J. A; Millar subsequently took a. seat on the platform, find in response to calls, for "Mr Millar" ho rose a midst loud cheering, and said luv wished to disabuse the rninds of those who imagined he was present to influence them in regard to tho political situation. They all knew Mr Allen longer and better than the speaker did, and ho would not insult their intelligence _ by trying to influence their votes. Ministers had decided not to' interfere in any way with iccc-nd ballot elections, but Mr Massey, who had expressed satisfaction with the Opposition victory at .the ejection, had thought it worth while to visit Wanganui and elsewhere. Furthermore, _tln'3 was the first opportunity afforded him in 18 years to hear a "last night election speech," and he bad availed himself of the opportunity to have a treat— (Ohoors.) The speaker remarked that the second ballot had many Rood features, which he enumerated, but it afforded an object lesson, which showed that • radical changes should not,be made too hastily. The present Administration had been accused by the. Opposition of extravagant outlay on public buildings, but', the Domini6n_ was making rapid progress, and puUio buil<Kngs .ejected 30-years ago were now inadequate for present requirements. Deliberate misrepresentation of ihc dairying regulations had alienated thousands of votes from the Uovornment candidates, but unices efforts were made to ensure absolute cleanliness of dairies, etc., the value of New Zealand butter would diminish, with consequent loss to the community. Prices were nearly equivalent to best Danish, and 1 in the best interests of all concerned, both quantity and quality should ho improved.— (Applause.) . Mr Millar _ declared emphatically tljat it was the intention'of the present Cabinet to push the affairs of this country ahead, and if afforded the opportunity would show results in another throe years which would merit the country's entire approval.—(Cheers.) ■;,,; i EGMONT.' . I (Pek United Pr.r.ss Association.) IXTHAM, November 23. The position at Egmont is that Mr Wilkinson (tho defeated Oppositionist) is working for Mr Dive, and Mr Astbnry (the defeated Government nominee) is advising bis supporters to vote for Mr Wake. The feeling which existed between tho followers of the several candidates makes it less cortajni iliat this tallot will resolve itself into a contest on party lines. ' GISBORNK. (Per United Pbkss Assocution.) • OISBORNK, November 23. The official count, for the Gisborne electorate gives the following figures:—Carrol! 3485, Darlon 2062, Clayton 1454. HAWKE''SBA\\ Ukitrd Press Association.) • HASTINGS, November 23. Sir William Russell's Committee persistently denys any knowledge of Mr Mastoy's visit to Hastings, awl the'first public intimation that he was lo speak hero tonight was by advertisement in tho paper this morning. The secrecy maintained has

prevented the oilier side from arranging a Ministerial visit, as a countcrattractioii. ihe contest is expected to be a very close one. Women who ore indifferent to politics will poll heavily in favour of"Sir Wilwin Russell. An open-air meeting will be "eld to-night l, y Mr -Dillon, who will lie supported by the rejected candidates, while Mr Massey and Sir William Russell will give addresses at I he theatre! HASTINGS, November 23. J.here was a very large atlendance in the Princess Theatre to-night, when political addresses were delivered by Sir William Russell and Mr Massey. In the course of 'his criticism of the Government's' policy and administration, Mr Massey, who was well received, referred to thi* interview with Sir Joseph Ward, published in Napier this afternoon, in .reply to the Leader of tho Opposition's speech at Wanganui on Saturday, night. With regard to the Prime Minister's statement that the Government had never attacked the freehold, Mr Mossov referred to the Land .Bill of 1907 and the setting aside of Crown lands for endowment purposes. NOTES FROM WELLINGTON. * WOMEN CAMPAIGNERS. (From Oim Own- Corkkbmnwsnt.) WELLINGTON, lumber 23. The interest in the second ballot contests has nlino-i, rcui.-hwi isver-noat, and 'the friends of |h P candidates are working their hardest to poll every vote possible. Never jwforo .have the women taken no l*en an interest in an elect ion. This is particularly tho case in Wellington North, where women who have hitherto taken the most languid interest in polities are now keenly aroused, and are working their very hardest. Mr I Herdman will poll the great majority of the j woman's vote, though in this respect his chances may be minimised by the bad weather which; arrived this afternoon, and which makes Iho outlook for to-morrow somewhat gloomy, Mr Barber's chniics's have gone down considerably, and if one can judge by tho general opinion, oven of the working men, the Opposition candidate will also win here, Mr Wright will certainly get a very big vote, The contest Mwoen, Messrs Atkinson.ami M'Laren for Wellington East (in which t.h« Government, candidate, has already gono, down) is expected to ba i very- clqss' one,./ as is also tho contest Messrs Luke and Fitzgerald for tho Suburbs seat. , At one time to day there' were * four speakers at the Queen's statue .addressing sections of a crowd of 1000 people at tho same tim*. . The motor car is going to plav a.yory important part) in Ihe election. Ono candidate has had 18 motor ears placed at his service for tho day. Mr Barber has his own motor enr, which he told his audjiojice' tho other day lie regarded as part of his political stock in trade. In the Palmerston electorate motor oars will also be lately used. Ths Opposition candidate is said to have. had. the majority of. the cars plpcod at his •disposal, and if the dav is wot this shpnld Jiejp him greatly. Mr Wood, bowever, 1 will, also have a mimbe'r of cars workin? for him. ■ There is some talk of a. petition to upset the Olaki election on the ground that some committeemen on. the day of the election were openly soliciting votes in front of one of the polling! booths. . " Tile Government had only increased taxa. ■tion in one direction—nanlcly, the graduated land las. It could, /however, obtain another £200,000 a year by putting on a graduated income tax on incomes over £2000 a year." Tims said Sir' Joseph Ward iji his speech here to-day. Mr Herdman 'to-night said ■that was the'sort of talk to damage us in London and to frighten capital away. He added, that Now Zealand wanted capital and'wanted, its credit to bo good in London. ,-.'■..' V" AVON, , (Faoit Own CosrebfondentT) GHRISTCHUnCH,!-Nqvomber 23. The contest in Avon Jias degenerated into a. fight .over tho liceireiiig question. \Mr Tanner,'' as a bare majority advocate, • has the active support of the No-license parly, and though the trade-say they'.are taking no part in the struggle there' is no doubt as to which mau will got t.hoir- vot.es andinflubnec. .The ccntcsfc is a bitter oho,'and it is ' Very doubtful whether the advocacy of the no-license leaders will not in fe end do Mr Tanner more harm tlian goid. The man in the street picks Mr Russell' to win by a good majority. . ( ASHBURTON. : (From' Our. Ow>f'-ConnEsroxDr.NT.) CHRISTCHURCH, November 23., The. two candidat.;s;.\wh6 are Jeffc in tho running for the A'shburton seat are prcscouting the campaign,, vigorously,''and tjiere is every indication that the finish will, be a clos3 one. A stronpr Oppo=it;'o'.i vote will/ he polled in the country, and Mr Nosworthy, is also assured of support in the town of Asbburton. A meeting of. the committee which, assisted Mr David Jones in his candidature was held on .Saturday afternoon in Asbburton, and unanimously decided to endeavour to secure the'return of Mr Nosworthy. This combination does not appear to please Mr Flatman, who has been betrayed into a rather peculiar denunciation of his opponents. Hq invites the ©lee. tors, per medium of advertisement, t<r " please take notico of tho coalition of Messrs Nosworthy and Jones, who ' have joined foross with the id-ea of preventing you from Iwing .represented in the new Parliament." He ako asks the electors to record their disapproval of such tactics. Mr Flatman apparently .thinks that itnlees he is returned. Ashburton will bo without a voice in the Councils of the Pominion, and that ,a combination of votes, \yhicb would bo considered perfectly legitipiatc were two Liberals concerned, 'becomes highly-im-proper when two Opposition candidates ffva effect to it. TIMARU. ' , (From' Our Uwk Corrbspojjdent.) CHRISTCHURCH, November 23, In answering tho questions piit to him by > tho Pplifieal Labour League regarding bis views on'tho league's platform, Mr James' Craigie, the Government candidate for Timaru,. has handed himself over into bis opponent's hands. Mr'Craigie's replies to the league were generally, favourable, and at his meeting on Saturday Mr Ca'mpbell_ placed these replies alongside Mr Craigie's platform utterances. Replying to the PftKtical Labour Lsague, Mr'Craigie said he was in favour of all present and future Government lands being held' by tho State, and where land was once purchased he did not believe in parting with the freehold. In a speech at, Washdykc, he said,with regard to the freehold, 'he thought tho Government might just ns well grant tho right of acquiring the freehold. tenure - to settlers who bad acquired Jand under the 999. years' .lease. To the Political Labour Lrague he said: "All things being equal, he would give preference, to unionists," while at the Timaru Theatre be stated that he did not Approve of'preference -to union, ists, but wonld employ Hid man who ho thought would best serve the'purpose for? which he was engaged. Mr Craigie to thePolitical Labour League: "The parliamentary franchise should apply to the elections of all local bodies and all polls except, »mi° on ,oans ." Afc 'he theatre, ho said: " Hid parliamentary francjiisa should be applied to the election of Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards, but not to those of local bodies spending ratepayers' money." DUNEDIN SEATS. The official declaration of the poll in Dunedin Central electorate will b© made to-day. Tho latest figures given for Dunedin West are:-Hon. J. A. Millar, 4787; J, W. Munro, 2341; informal, 133; majority for Mr Millar, 2446. LAST WEEK'S VOTING. . (Froii Our Own Correspondent.) ; AUCKLAND, November 23. DrFindlay has evidently been harctpressed for excuses when he compiled such a misleading array of figurw in reference to tho Government and Opposition "votes in the Auckland province. He has exclaimed with a loud flourish of trumpets that, the' Opposition vote has declined in Mr Massey's own territory, omitting to mention that the Op. did not run candidates this fim'3 for the three city scats and for Parnell and Crey Lynn. In the two latter places Independents stood, and secured the Opposition votes, but Dr Findlay has included them in the Government total; and he has also included the votes for Mr Glover, who defeated the Government Whip. How Dr Findlay can Include votes cast against the Government Whip as Government votes is best known to himself, but the fact that Opposition candidates were not standing for the city scats, and that the Government supporter facing Mr Masscv in Franklin was not taken seriously, and therefore tjie poll was small, alono account for more than the difference. Had Dr Findlay attempted to be fair, be would Jiave takon the votes cast for the selected Government, candidates on one side and 'the votes cast, against

thorn on Ihe other. Even allowing Iho (iovornment the votes for the two candidates opposing Mr Lang atManukau, wJioro the Government did T iot .'.elect a candidate, the voting in Iho Auckland province was as follows:-For selected Government candidatcs, 47,965; against selrctetl Govern, ment candidates, 53,173 ;-so that Auckland is not dip 'Government■'stronghold Dr Findlay would have the rest' of the Dominion boliovo it is. Oil Ita land policy of (ho Government Auckland is strongly Opposi. tion, two candidates who supported (he Government land policy have been elccfcd-miincly, Mr Fowkls and Mr M'Gowan.