STATE OF PARTIES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2389, 14 December 1899, Page 22

STATE OF PARTIES.

GOVERNMENT i 49 OPPOSITION 19 AUCKLAND, December 6. There was splendid weather for the elections. A great interest was taken in the result, the women polling heavily. Good order and good humour prevailed, candidates exerting themselves to the utmost. No one with certainly could predict the result for the City. The brewers months ago had bespoke the cabs of the city, and everything on wheels was pressed into service for one party or other. Complaints were rife during the day of tho inadequacy of -the arrangements for polling at some suburban booths. Business men complain that, although the booths opened at 9 o'clock, they did not get into town till 10.45 to business owing to the primitive arrangements for polling. WELLINGTON, December 5. The election was the dullest and most devoid of incident ever known, and there is absolutely nothing to record. The polling in the early part of the day was small, and the voting was mostly done in the afternoon. Strict instructions were issued to keep touts away from the doors of the booths in order to prevent the scenes so much complained of in 1896, and this had a great deal to do with the mild nature of the proceedings. Enormous crowds assembled outside the newspaper offices to-night, but there was very little disorder, although a few ripe eggs were fired now and then. Mr Fisher's re-election came as a great surprise. When two-thirds of the returns had come to hand Messrs Hutcheson, Atkinson, and Hislop, the Opposition ticket, were looked upon as safe, but Mr Fisher's total was greatly swelled by returns from tho last booths, and ho took third place from Mr Hislop. The crowds remained outside the newspaper offices until the early 1 hours of the za&rniqg,* Considering tae.

quiet* nature of the proceedings throughout the day and the small polling during the morning, the total poll was fairly heavy. Mr Seddon addressed a large crowd from the New Zealand Times balcony. He said the result of the election showed that the people strongly approved of the Government policy and administration. The result was a complete answer to the charges of maladministration and want of purity. He claimed that the Government so far would have a majority of 30 in the new Parliament, and the returns still' to come might increase the majority. THE PREMIER SATISFIED. WELLINGTON, December 7. Speaking early this morning, Mr Seddon said he hoped that his health would permit him and colleagues to go on fighting the people's battles and to make New Zealand a paradise for all. Given opportunities, the Government would go on laying the foundations of a great nation, working, at the same time, on sound lines. He should endeavour to maintain, the privileges and rights of labour, while giving capital its proper security; and with capital and labour working harmoniously together the country must became a prosperous nation. He saw no reasop. why, if they continued on existing lines and were true to their policy, there should be anything in this country but a Liberal Government. * THE RANGITIKEI ELECTION. WELLINGTON, December 7. The date of the Rangitikei election is fixed for the 20th inst. Mr John Johnston, of Mangfe.weka, is announced for the Rangitikei seat in the Liberal interest. THE FEELING IN 'WELLINGTON. (From Our Own Oorrespoxdent.) WELLINGTON, December 7. The one topic to-day is the disastrous defeat of the Opposition at the polls. No one was more_ surprised last night than the Government. At the most they expected a bare working majority, while some, after carefully going over the list, thought they would not have more than two. .The' defeat is '"so overwhelming that leading Qpposilionists hero are "taking it, with the best\of good humour. There are speculations as to what portfolio Mr Ward will get. , Some say ho will be Minister for Railways, -if not Treasurer. He no doubt will alpo'haye control of the Post Office. Air M'Nab will probably bo made Attorney-general. SOME OF THE NEW MEMBERS. DUNEDIN CITY. Mr Alfred Richard Barclay, 8.A., LL.B., barrister and solicitor, is the eldest son of the Rev. Gco. Barclay, whose name is a household word in South Canterbury as the pioneer Presbyterian, minister in that district, and one who has probably done more in educational matters there than any other resident. Mr Barclay came to New Zealand with his parents in 1865, he being then five years old. He was educated at the Timaru Public School. Christ's College, and Otago University. He obtained his B:A. degree in 1878, being the third in New Zealand to : achieve that distinction. Later he obtained the LL.B. degree, and, having passed the additional examination, was admitted a barrister 'and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand, and in 1885 commenced practice in Dunedin. He has always taken an interest in educational and university matters. He has been clerk of the Court of Convocation since its inauguration in 1884. He was appointed lecturer on constitutional history and law in the University of Olago in 1891, and now holds that position. He ha 3 been sv member of the Athenaeum Committee for several years, and is vice-preaident of tho Fabian Society, and connected officially with various clubs and local organisations. Mr Barclay is an out-and-out supporter of Mr Seddon. Mr J. F. Arnold was born in St. Peters, Port Guernsey, in 1859^ and is the son of the late Mr Julius Arnold, who was a member of the legal profession. In 1664- he came to New Zealand with his parents, landing at Lyttelton. At the age of 16 he was apprenticed to tho clicking "and continued nt that trade in Christchurch for eight 3 r ears. During that time he became an active mem/ber of various societies, passing through the chairs in the Good Templar Order and the Ancient Order of Foresters. He vvas also one of the founders -of the first Juvenile Lodge of Foresters. In 1882 he came lo Dunedin under engagement to Messrs Sargood, Son, and Ewcn, in whose employ ho had continued till tho present time. In 1890 the Bootmakers' Union decided to admit dickers as members, and in the same year Mr Arnold was sent tp Wellington as" a delegate to tho first Federal Conference held by that trade. In the following year a conference between employers and employees was held, and by his debating power and business ability he was marked by his co-delegates as one worthy to lead them, and thereafter he has been chairman at all co*nference3 held between the two parties. He wa3 selected to conduct the bootmakers' dispute before the Conciliation Board in 1896, tho chairman being a solicitor. The board decided to send part of the matter filed on to the Arbitration Court. Mr Arnolds-protested, and when tho case came before the court laised tho point of the board's jurisdiction, with the result that Judge Williams decided in his favour. The case was sent back to the board, and since that date he has been known as the " bootmakers' lawyer." At the close of that case he compiled and published the proceedings in book form, and has thus assisted most of those who have conducted cases of the kind since. He has conducted all the bootmakers' disputes since that time, and last year was the means of bringing Auckland and New Plymouth under the eamo log as that paid south. Last month lie was elected president of the Bootmakers" Union, and represents them on the Workers' Political Committee, also the Trades and Labour Council. During his residence in this city he has continued to interest himself in society work, and is well known as an Oddfellow, also a member of the Masonic fraternity. He has taken an active part in educational questions, been a member of the Morninglon School Committee for some years, and represents that body on the School Committee Conference. He is als% a member of the Mornington Borough Council. In politics Mr Arnold is a Liberal, and will support that party in the House. He will not, however, be a " dumb dog," or, as he said in the Princess Theatre, a "mere marionette" to dance only when the string is pulled. ' Mr Arnold attributes his success yesterday to the fact that in all his dealings with employers he has tried to be fair and meet them in a gentlemanly, business-like manner, and thus has won the respect of both 'sides. AUCKLAND. Mr W. J. Napier (Auckland City) is a wellknown Auckland barrister. He is of Iruh

■' ' ""- '■ ' ' ; : "1 •-"• ~-^ birth, but" arrived in AucklaMj&gvliten^iivft' years old. He was educated firsWrPsfe Peter's Catholic School, Hobson ■ street, Auckland, and later ho completed his education at the Grammar School evening classes; and, as a matriculated student of St. John's College, Mr Napier was an ardent discipline and friend 1 of the late Sir George Grey, and acted as hia solicitor 'for many years. Mr -Napier "is now for the secondUime chairman of the Auckland! Harbour Board, and has 'been instrumental in largely improving the harbour and wharfage accommodation. He has led a life of great activity, and is a member of many societies, social, scientific, and literary. He/ has been, or is, secretary of the French Club, president of the Navy League, and Fellow of the Royal Colonial Institute. He established a corps of Garrison Artillery Volunteers 12 months ago, of which he is captain. He is a good writer and an able platform qieaker, and frequently lectures on Imperial topics. Mr Napier is just 40 years of age, and is full of vitality and vigour. He is a supporter of tho present Government. Mr George Fowlds (Auckland City) was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1860, and was educated at the village school. At the age of 13 years he was apprenticed to a tailor in Kilmarnock, and five years' later removed to Glasgow, whore he spent some years in a wholesale warehouse. During his residence in Glasgow he attended the evening lectures^pf the' Andersonian College for several sessions.At ihe age of 22 he emigrated to .South Africa, where he had a varied colonial experience. The 'climate, however, -did not prove suitable to his' wife, so he came to Auckland in 1885, and commenced business. He has since built up a large business as a tailor and outfitter. He has been for several years a vice-president of tho Burns Club. He has also been for several years an office-bearer in the Congregational Church, and has occupied the position of secretary and treasurer of the Congregational Union of New Zealand. He has taken an 'active interest in local affairs." He favours the referendum and an elective Executive. He supports the present system of education. -NAPJER. Mr A. L. D. Frkseri^a Kaiapoi boy, hay- ■ ing been born there in 1862. He was privately educated in the Church of Englaiid School, and, took up the pchool profession, coming to . Hawke's Bay as head master of the Wairoa School. He ihere, learned M&6r£ and took up fhe business of a Native Land Court agent in Hafctings. He has been successful. He is a fluent speaker. His victory was a great surprise, and was due to the over-confidence of Mr M 'Lenn's- supporters, many of whom would not take the trouble to vote. , Mr Hull was formerly member for Waipawa. WELLINGTON CITY. Mr Arthur Richmond Atkinson, son of Mr A. S. Atkinson, of Nelson, and nephew of the late Sir Harry Atkinson and Mr Justice Richmond, who wa3 elected for Wellington, was born at New Plymouth on August 5, 1863. Educated at Nelson College, he there won a Junior Scholarship in the University, but, being two or three years under the necessary age. was disqualified. Going to England in 18-78, ho- w6n an Entrance .Scholarship at Clifton College, where lie spent four years under" tho head mastership of Dr Percjval (now Bishop of -Hereford). During his last year at Clifton, the New Zealander had the honour of being head of the college students, editor of the ." Clif tonian Magazine" (the college organ), and played in the- first fifteen in football, and the secqnd eleven in cricket. In 1882 he won an open classical scholarship at Corpus Christi College', Oxford, also holding an exhibition from Clifton to the University. He was first clasv in classical moderations, in 1883, and second class final Classical School, in 1886, the college authorities expecting something better, and complaining of the student's undue attention to current politics, as prejudicial to his studies. He graduated B.A. at Oxford, and was called to. the Bar, Lincoln's Inn, in 1887. He captained his College Fifteen during three football seasons. The year 1885 was marked by his having .taken an active part in tho Woodstock election— t'^e last contest for a pooket borough in Ensrland, — fighting for Mr Corrie Grant (Radical, against Lord Randolph Churchill, who was seeking re-election on assuming the portfolio for India in Lord Salisbury's Government. The New Zea-

lander also took a keen interest in the political, athletic, and -literary life of the university. He .was co-editor with "Q"- {tho now famous Cornish writer, Quiller Couch) of an ephemeral sheet, wbich had a considerable reputation. Mr Atkinson later became sole editor, and it is said that a memory of the publication still lingers in university traditions. In 1887, the young lawyer returned to the colony, and was called to the New Zealand Bar the -following year, having served his apprenticeship in law offices in Nelson and Dunedin, #nd secretary to Mr Justice Richmond in 1889-90. In 1892 he began to practise in Wellington, first in partnership ■with Mr C. B. Morrison, and by himself during, the last three years. Since the inauguration of the Wellington Prohibition League in 1892, hje has been an active fighter in its ranks. At the general election in 1896 Mr Atkinson contested one of the City seats, but was 28 votes short of victory. In the following year he entered for the by-election in the Suburbs, which followed upon' the unseating of Mr Wilford, but was again unsuccessful. Mr Atkinson holds advanced political views, but. has declared that" he is willing to support any Government in preference to the present that will be honest.

WELLINGTON SUBURBS.

Mr T. M. Wilford was born on June 20, 1870, and was educated at Chrietchurcli College, Canterbury, under Mr C. C. Corfe. Hematriculated at the" Canterbury University, and on coming to Wellington he waff articled to Messrs Brandon and Brandon as solicitor. While in their employ he passed his final examination at the age of 18,- and was then the youngest solicitor in the colony. He had to wait for two years before he could be admitted to practice. In 1891 Mr Wilford went into partnership with Mr Travers, a well-known Wellington barrister^and solicitor, and in 1894- he started practice in Wellington on his own account. Mr Wilford resides at tho Lower Hutt, where he has taken a prominent part in the administration of local affairs. Ho has. also taken great interest in all field sports and athletics , generally, and has represented Wellington on the football field. Mr Wilford married a daughter of the Hon. George M'Lean, of Dunedin, and in his first political campaign was greatly assisted by his wife, who is popular with a large number of electors. In 1893 Mr Wilford contested the Wellington Suburbs with Dr Newman. Mr Wilford, who stood in the interests of the S.eddon Government, polled 1715 votes to 1839 polled by Dr Newman." He was successful in 1E96, but was unseated on petition.

BULLER.

Mr James Colvin, elected for Buller, is an Irishman, and an Anglican. By trade he is a butcher, having carried on business in Westport for the last- 30 years. Be was formerly in partnership with Mr Eugene O'Conor, one time member for the Buller district. Mr Colvin is held in very high estimation throughout the district, and has filled numerous public positions with credit. At tho present time he is Mayor of Westport. He is exceedingly popular throughout the Buller district, and is a maruof -broad-miuded Liberal views.

CHRISTCHURCH.

• Mr Henry George Ell is a native of Chrietchurch, and was born in 1862. - He had a natural bent towards politics, and since 1884 he has been actively connected with local labour, political, and other organisations. He has been president of the Progressive Liberal Association, and at present holds the positions of president of the Shop Assistants' Union, president of the Christchurch -failoresses and Pressers' Union, and is also a member of the committees of the Prohibitian League and the-" Canterbury Prohibition Council. Starting in life as junior assistant at the Christchurch Museum, Mr Ell has at different periods been employed on a ourvey party, at wool-scouring works, and is at present salesman at Messrs Andrews and Co.'s, stationers and bookbinders. He also served with the armed constabulary at Parihaka. He was a candidate at the last general election in 1896, and polled 4705 votes, Being fifth on the poll.

Mr W. W. Collins represented Parliament on a former occasion.

ELLESMERE

(Air Robert Heaton Rhode 3, the .elect of Ellesmere, is a son of the late Mr R. H. Rhodes, of Elmwood, and was born at Purau, Lyttelton, on February 27, 1861., He was educated at Turrell's School, Christchurch, at Hereford School, England, and at Brasenose College, Oxford, where he obtained the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Mr Rhodes ha 1 ? been a member of the Halswell Road Board, and was for one year president of the Canterbury Agricultural and^ Pastoral Association. He is president of the Tai Tapu branch of the St. John Ambulance Association, and has also taken considerable interest in volunteering, and holds the rank of lieutenant in the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry. In 1890, Mr Rhodes polled -well for the Heathcote (now Avon) 'electorate, securing 642 votes against Mr W. W. Tanner's 854. Mr Rhodes resides -at OtehuiHi, Tai Tapu, and the hospitality of Air and Mr 3 Rhodes- and their interest in the well-being of their neighbours have made them most popular.

SELWYN.

Mr C. A. C. Hardy is the son of ilr Robert Boyd Hardy, of Cooley Hill, County Armagh, Ireland. He was born on September 23, 1843, and was trained to business in Portadown. He arrived in Dunedin on July 4, 1863, and his first employment was in drivin sheep from Oamaru to Invercargill for Douglas, Alderson, and Co.. He was afterwards bookkeeper for the late H. Kirkpatrick. In 1868 he went to Charle3town, on the Nelson south-west goldfields, and from there to Greymouth, and for nine years was employed by Thompson, Smith, and Barkley. During this time he was auditor for a number of public companies. He went to Rakaia in 1879, and since then has been engaged as an importer and general merchant. - He has served on several public bodies, and has for a long time been actively engaged in educational matters, and is a member of the North Canterbury Education Board. He is also a .member of the Chrislchurch Diocesan Synod, and of the Standing Committee of the same body, a, member of the Council of the Cliristchurch Horticultural Society, the Canterbury A. and P. A.saociation, and the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce. He has been executor for more estates than falls to the .lot of most men, and while in Dunedin 'he was a volunteer for five years. He is a .Conservaiive in politics, who is desirous of the welfare of all classes of society.

INVERCARGILL.

Mr J. A. Hanan is a native of Invcrcargill, and a solicitor by profession". He bas taken a keen interest in all local affairs, and after serving in the Municipal Council, was elected jto the position of mayor, filling that position in a capable manner on the occasion of the celebration of tho Queen's Jubilee. He next stood for and was elected a member of tho Southland Education Board. He was early "'" ' \ tho field for Invercargill, and as Messrs

Sinclair and Morris retired in his favour, he thus secured the undivided support of the Government following.

THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION.

WELLINGTON, December 8.

Rumours were published that Captain Russell intended to resign, but the leader of the Opposition informs the Press Association that there is no truth in the report. The reverse, ho says, has acted as a stimulant, and ho is feeling better than he has for two months.

THE LYTTELTON ELECTION.

CHRISTCHURCH, December 8.

Messrs Jacques, Laurenson, and Rollitt (mayor of Sunnier) have been nominated for Lyttelton. Mr Rollitt announces himself as a supporter of the Government. Mr Laurenson has the support of the Government. Rumour 3 were current that a ',' dark horse " would be brought along at the last moment. It was stated that Mr Laurenson had withdrawn his nomination in, favour of Mr T. E. Taylor, who was defeated for Christchurch. Efforts were also made to induce Mr Charles Taylor, the defeated labour candidate for Christchurch, to also contest the seat, but without result.

NOTES FROM WELLINGTON. (Fbom Otje Own Cobbespondent.)

WELLINGTON, December 8.

There is some talk of an attempt to unseat one pf the recently-elected members in a Wellington constituency under the Corrupt Practices Act* and also talk of a probable vacancy owing to the probable bankruptcy of another member. As the old Opposition 13 practically wiped out, all the talk is of the formation of a new party, and Mr James Allen is on everyone's lips as the new leader. He also would be acceptable to the Left Wing members remaining. It is also urged that the party should at once set about the organisation of a fighting fund, and that members of the Opposition should take every opportunity to instruct the constituencies in regard to matters political.

Universal disappointment is expressed at Mr Rolleston's narrow majority and probable defeat and Mr Scobie Mackenzie's rejection. Men like Messrs Hunter and M'Lean, too, can ill be spared from Parliament.

The chances are that one of the Auckland members — either Mr Napier or Mr M'Gowan — will get a portfolio. Mr Seddon is understood to have promised the former a place in the Ministry.

The Premier has been deluged with telegrams of congratulation on the Government victory. Mr George Fisher slates that his total election expenses will come to the sum. of 9s, which is a record for a contested election. He did not hire any halls, and indulged in very little printing.

Taking it for granted that Mr Rolleston has been defeated for Ricearton, the New Zealand Times saye: — " It is .the fortune of .battle, and Mi- Rolleston will accept the reverse with the same Btolidity that the British public received the news of Boer victories in South Africa. But it is a public misfortune, nevertheless, thatthe services of such a man should be temporarily lost to the people. Mr G. W. -Russell is a politician of considerable power and originality, a force to be reckoned with, but during the three years he sat in the House for Ricearton he was a force whose operation was uncertain. It-is understood that he has profited by his three years' retirement, and will in future give a loyal support to the Liberal Government. Even so, Parliament can ill afford to lose men of Mr Rolleston's stamp, and it may be hoped that circumstances wiil favour his early return to the political arena, wisere his earnestness, ability, and high sense of public duty have gained him the esteem of men of all shades of opinion."

THE RICCARTON SEAT,

WELLINGTON, December 11. It is reported here that the Hon. W. Rolleston has been defeated by 4 votes

CHRISTCHURCH, December 11

Nothing authentic has transpired regarding the result of the re-count of votes for the Riccarton seat, which will be declared to-morrow, after consideration of some further incidental matters. It is, however, "rumoured that the re-count has given Mr G. W. Russell a majority of two votes.

THE OTAKI SEAT.

WELLINGTON, December 11

Numerous candidates are already spoken of for Otaki. Mr Kennedy Macdonald is the Miost likely Government candidate, but Mr E. G. Jellicoe will be asked to contest the seat, and Mr P. H. Field, solicitor, of Wellington, is also mentioned. Mr 0. B. Morison wall be the Opposition representative, as before.

The Otaki election will probably not take place till after the New Year.

No definite announcement as to the Otaki candidates will be made until after Mr Field's funeral, which takes place to-morrow. His interment will be a private one.

AN OUTSIDE OPINION.

SYDNEY, December 8. The Daily Telegraph, in a leading article on the New Zealand elections, says that the issue is all the more remarkable because it was not expected that the Ministry would be returned with anything more than a small margin. The public voice has pronounced'almost unanimously for Mr Seddon, and the verdict is '•an unequivocal tribute to him, politically and personally. One of the notable effects is that the Prohibitionists have failed to carry their principles in any one district. The two lpcsons to be learned from this extraordinary election are : first, that the people emphatically prefer Mr fcjeddon to any other leader that has yet offered himself, and, in the next plaoe, that they do not want .prohibition.

Mr Rollitt has withdrawn from the contest for tho Lyttelton seat, so that it will be a straight-out fight between the Government and the Opposition candidates.

When the result of the contest for Tuapeka was beyond doubt (says the Tuapeka Times), Mr Rawlins appeared on the balcony of the Victoria Hotel to address the electors gathered in the precincts. He said they were all aware that Mr Bennet, the successful candidate, was laid up, and he thought it his duty to thank the electors on his behalf and to bespeak for him (as' their representative) their utmost rß3pect. , 'He took his defeat as an indication that he had not succeeded in retaining their confidence, but he made no complaint, as he recognised they had acted within their rights as free and independent electors. He would now toll them that on the result of the poll had depended whether he should continue to be a resident of the colony, and as it had gone against him ho would be severing his connection with them. Ho desired to heartily thank all those electors who had so warmly supported him in the many contests

he had had in this electorate, and he could "assure all present that he would always take a keen interest in the welfare of this district, in which ho had resided during the past 11 years, and with which he first became acquainted 35 years ago. He concluded by asking all present to give three hearty cheers for Mr Bennet, and, this having been lustily complied with, he asked a similar compliment for Mr Fraser, which was also given with goodwill. Mr Charles Bennet, son of Mr James Bennet, also thanked the elector's for the honourable position in which they had placed his father. He also referred to the gentlemanly manner in which Mr Rawlins had accepted his defeat, and called for three cheers for him, which were vigorously given.

The Lyttelton Times says: — The truth is that the landed proprietors and capitalists h e ceased to be a rover in the land. We do not suppose-for one instant that there will be no Opposition in Parliament, or i'\it Mr SedcFon and his Ministry will be allo .ed to carry out their programme without ltt or hindrance. In the ranks of the Liberals ther» are a considerable number of members who will be cautious in their attitude towards all legislation and canu-~ in their criticism of the administration. The Opposition of the future will probably consist of young ond advanced Radicals, who will be dissatisfied with the present rate of legislative reform. If Mr Seddon is wise he will frame a programme that will keep these members in sympathy AUCKLAND, December 11. The final scrutiny of the City election resulted as follows, owing to a number of double ■votes:— Napier. 6097; Fowlds, 5595; Crowther, 4751; Holland, 4657; Hobbs, 464?; Baume, 3792; Rosser, 3541; Vaile, 2456; Regan, 1476;' French, 1366; Quinlan, 334. .

In the Eden scrutineering eight duplicates have been found, but it has not transpired how these will affect the poll.

with his party. Before all things, he should secure the passage of an Absolute Majonity Bill, a measure that will surely be acceptable to all sections of the new Parliament. But. in the forefront of other reforms, he shuwlcl place the elective Executive, and, following that, the abolition of the Upper House and the introduction of the referendum. We cannot believe that a democratic community will allow any further tinkering with the Legislative Council. A large- .section of the new House of Representatives is pledged to secure the passage of the re.forms we have mentioned, and their inclusion in the Government policy would go far towards consolidating the great party which is now in the ascendancy. The verdict of the constituencies, too, is strongly in favour of the land for settlements system, and just as strongly hostile to the concession of the freehold. We believe, then, that the parties of the future, if, Indeed, there are to be parties, will be no longer Conservative and Liberal, but Liberal and Progressive, and we may be sure that in the ranks of the latter will be found the young New Zealander3 — the true nationalists, keen in criticism, vigorous in debate, and Radical and Socialistic in their views.

The senior member for Dunedin has received about 220 telegrams from all parts of the colony congratulating him on the position he secured in Wednesday's poll. Messrs Arnold and Barclay have. also received, a large. dumber of congratulatory messages. For the Dunedin City election 440 informal votes were recorded, but as the fourth,candidate was some 600 votes behind the third, no possible alteration could have taken place even supposing they "had all -been cast 'n favour of one candidate..

The official figures for the Dunedin City election are as follow:— Millar, 9045 ; Arnold, 82905 Barclay, 7563 ; Mackenzie, 6726; Sligo, 6415; Haynes, 4915; Chapman, 1222; informal, 463. For Caversham the official declaration gave Mr Morrison 2E60 votes and Mr Warren 1752, while 56 informal votes were cast.

The following are the candidates who forfeit their deposit (£10) through not having polled one-tenth of the ■number of vote 3 cast for the successful candidates: — R. G. Knight, Wellington Suburbs ; D. B. Duncan, Wellington City; J. Quinlan, Auckland City; C. Dunlop, Waiapu ; J. Murphy, Wanganui ; C. Phillips, Wairarapa; J. M. Verrall, Kaiapoi; J. Mahoney, Timaru. Reports are current (says the Oamaru Mail) that further proceedings are likely to be taken in connection with the Oamaru election. It is stated that it has been discovered that some of those whose names appear on the roll and who exercised votes in the election are not 21 years of age, and that steps are to be taken to obtain conclusive evidence upon the point, with a view to proceedings being instituted against the parties involved. It is also alleged that a case of double voting has been discovered. Mr Duncan polled 2500 votes and Mr Macpherson 1246.