COMMONWEALTH ELECTIONS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2455, 3 April 1901, Page 27

COMMONWEALTH ELECTIONS.

THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN. THE FIRST ELECTIONS. SOME OF THE RETURNS. THE LATEST RETURNS. SYDNEY, March 27. Last night the Freetraders held a great gathering in the Town Hall, Mr Reid presiding, whilst the Protectionists held an immense open-air gathering. Both meetings were marked with much enthusiasm. Mr Reid and' the other leaders made •strong appeals in favour of Freetrade, ■while Mr Barton and Mr R. E. O'Connor made stirring speeches, and confidently predicted victory for the Bartonians. The Democratic League also held a demonstration. March 28. Preparations are complete for a great vote to-morrow, when the States of New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and Westralia will select representatives for both the Senate and House of Representatives. The election in Queensland and South Australia takes place on the following day. The campaign throughout has been marked by quiet, steady, earnest work by all parties, and a want of petty bickerings, candidates and voters alike being fully seized with the momentous nation-making issue at stake. The election campaign is practically closed. A few candidates are holding meetings to-night, but the final party rallies were held earlier in the week. The Commonwealth has to elect 56 members of the Senate. There are 125 nominees to choose from, classified as follows : — Ministerial. 51 ; Opposition, 50 ; Independent, 16 ; Labour, 8. For the 75 seats in the House there are 187 candidates nominated, classified thus : — Ministerialists, 99 ; Opposition, 63 ; Independent, 12 ; Labour, 13. Mr Reid, through ihe press, has issued a last word of appeal on behalf of Freetrade. He urges the electors to rally round the standard of liberty. The Freetraders are to-night holding a demonstration in the ' Exhibition Buildings, and the Protectionists in Moore street. Otherwise the city is very quiet, and there is little "to indicate to-morrow's great event. . .March 29. Both the morning papers make a strong appeal to the electors in favour of Freetrade, and express the hope that that policy •will be successful so far as New South /Wales is concerned. Mr Keid at last night's demonstration confidently predicted his party's success. At the same time, the Bartonians expressed an almost equal confidence. A forecast from Perth points to a majority for Freetraders in both Houses of that State. A Protectionist majority in Victoria is assured, though the Freetraders expect to ■win at least three seats in the House and a couple in the Senate. In the other States ths i»sue is less clearly cut, and it is hard to make a forecast. The polling for the first Federal elections •was conducted very -quietly throughout the city and country. Great interest was manifested in the city to-night, and King street was crowded. Mr Reid was returned for East Sydney by an overwhelming majority. The returns from Hume up to 9 o'clock show that Sir W. J. Lyne was having a hard tussle with Mr Goddard, the Freetrade candidate. Mr Cook, Postmastergeneral, will have an easy victory at Parramatta. Sir William M'Millan has a large (majority over the Protectionist candidate for Wentworth. Out of 29 seats the Freetraders are leading for 17. The Labour candidates are leading for three seats. 11.40 p.m. The fight for the seats in the Lower House resolved itself into one of Freetrade versus Protection. For Parkes, Mr Bruce Smith, a former member of the Parkes Administration, scored heavily over his Protectionist opponent. For Hume, Sir W. J. Lyne leads by 110, but the returns are incomplete. For Canoblas, Mr Brown, the Le.bour candidate, is leading Mr Wise by 190. The following have been returned : — PROTECTIONISTS AND MINISTERIALISTS. Bland — Mr Watson (Labour). Hunter — Mr Barton, unopposed. Eden-Monarc — Mr A. Chapman defeated Mr Wood, Minister of Justice. Gwydir — Mr Cruickshank. Richmond — Mr Ewing. Riverina — Mr Chanter defeated Mr Ashton, member for the State Legislature. FREETRADERS. East Sydney — Mr Reid, by a majority of 4443. North Sydney -Mr Thomson. Dalley— Mr Wilks. Parramatta — Mr Cook. Lang — Mr M'Lean. Parkes — Mr Bruce Smith, a member of !Mr Reid's Cabinet. New England — Mr Lonsdale. Robertson — Mr Willis. Barrier — Mr Thomas (Labour, Independent Labour). Darling — Mr W. G. Spence (L.). West Sydney — Mr Hughes (Labour).

Wentworth — S ; r William M'Millan. Illawarra — Mr Fuller, defeating Mr Alexander Hay. Newcastle — Mr Gilbert. The Senate returns are a very long w;?y from completion. So far the following are leading : — Freetraders — Messrs Gould, Pulsford, Millen, Walker, and Gray. Protectionists — Mr O'Connor. The returns from the other colonies are not to hand. (Received March 30, at 1.37 a.m.) The following have been elected : — MINISTERIALISTS. Ba'.larat — Mr Deakin. Bandigo— Mr Quick. Balaclava — Sir G. Turner. Corinella— Mr M'Kay. Corio — Mr Crouch. Gippsland— Mr M'Lean. Indi — Mr Isaacs. Melbourne — Sir Malcolm M'Eachern. Port Melbourne — Mr Maugher. Southern Melbourne — Mr Ronald. Northern Melbourne — Mr Higgins. FREETRADERS. Kooyong— Mr W. Knox, M.L.C. March 30. NEW • SOUTH WALtd. The first figures for Newcastle were wrongly posted. Later returns show that Mr Watkins (the Labour candidate) beat Mr Gilbert by a large majority. For Cow per Mr Clarke (Protectionist) has a good lead. Otherwise, the late returns to midday, including the Senate, are practically unchanged. Mr Watkins', elected for Newcastle, is a Labour Protectionist. Latest returns for the Senate place Mr Neild ahead of Mr Gray. Mr Reid has received a telegram from Perth stating that six Freetraders have been elected to the Senate, and four Freetraders and one Protectionist to the House. The following are the complete returns to hand : — House of Refbesentatives. Bland. —Mr J. C. Watson, M.L.A. (Labour-Protection), defeated Messrs P. Heffernan (P.) and W. G. G. Lucas (F.). The Hunter.— Right Hon. E. Barton (P.), unopposed. Eden-Monaro. — Mr A. Chapman, M.L.A. (P.), defeated the Hon. W. H. Wood (P ), Minister of Justice in the Sta+e Government. Gwydir.— Mr G. A. Cruickshank (P.) defeated Messrs E. W. Foxhall (F.), Webster (L.), and F. W. Buchanan (F ). Richmond.— Mr T. T. Ewing, M.L.A. (P.), defeated Mr R. Pyera, M.L.A. (P.». Riverina.— Mr J. ,M. Chanter, M.L.A. (P.), defeated Mr James Ashton, M.L A. (F.). Sydney East.— Right Hon. G. H. Reid, M.L.A. (F.), defeated Messrs H. Foran (L.), James M, Toomey (I.), and J. M. Cleary (I.). Sydney North. — Mr Dugald Thomson, M.L.xV. (F), defeated Mr E. M. dart, M.L.A. (F.). Sydney West.— Mr W. M. Hughes (LF.|, defeated Messrs J. C. Beer (P ) and J. B. Hanrahan (L). Parramatta. — Mr Joseph Cook, M.L.A. and ex-Postmaster-general (F.), defeated Mr W. S^ndford (P.). Dalley.— Mr W. H. Wilks. M.L.A. (F.), defeated Messrs S. J. Law, M.L.A. (L.F), and Alderman Cohen (P.). Parkes. — Mr Bruce Smith (Minister of Agriculture in the last Reid Administration, and a pronounced Freetrader) defeated Messrs G. M. Burns (P.) and R P. Thompson (P.). Lang.— Mr F. E. M'Lean, M.L.A. (F.), defeated Messrs J-- Passmore Edwards (P.) and W. J. Watson, M.L.A. (L.), and £. Mitchell. New England. — Mr E. Lonsdale (F.) defeated Messrs W. Sawers, M.L A. (P.), and G. M. Simpson (I.). Robertson.— Mr H. Willis (F.), defeated Mr J. D. Fitzgerald (P.). Barrier. —Mr Josiah Thomas, M.L.A. (L.F.), defeated Mr B. J. Lang (P.). Darling.— Mr W. G. Spence, M.L.A. (L ), defeated Dr Bertram (F.) and Mr P. E. Quinn, M.L.A. (P.>. Illawarra.— Mr G. E. Fuller (F.) defeated Messrs. Alexander Hay (P.) and A. Lysaght (P.). . Wentwnrth.— Sir W. M'MUlan (who was Treasurer in th* Reid Administration, and a pronouriced Freetrader) defeated Mr J. T. Gannon (P.). Newcastle. — Mr D. Watkins <L.) defeated Mr Owen Gilbert (F.) and Mr J. W. Bailley (L.F.). Sydney South.— Mr G. E. Edwards (F.) defeated Messrs H. C. Hoyle (P.) and J. S. M'Gowen, M.L.A. (leader of the Labour party). Mr Edwards's majority o\er Mr M'Gowen was 461. Macquarie. — Mr Sydney Smith (an ex-col-league of Mr Reid, and a prominent Freetrader) defeated Mr W. J. Ferguson, M.L.A. (P.). Canoblas. — Mr Thomas Brown, M.L A. (L.F.), defeated Attorney-general Wise, Messrs Thomas, M'Donald, Dalveen (P.), and W. B. Melville (P.K Cowper.— Mr T. Clarke, M.L.A. (P.), defeated Messrs H. M'Kinnon (P.) and Roberr, Davidson (F.). Werriwa. — Mr A. H. Conroy (F.) defeated Mr Thomas Rose, M.L A. (P.). The Hume.— The Hon. Sir W. J. Lyne (P.) defeated Mr W. C. Goddard (s\). The state of parties is : — Freetraders, 17 ; Protectionists, 8 ; Labour 2. VICTORIA. In Victoria, for Yarra, Mr Tudor (Protectionist) was elected. The election of Mr Groom, the Freetrade candidate for Flinders, is not yet assured. The returns are : House of Representatives. Ballarat.— The Hon. A. Deakin, Attorneygeneral in the Federal Cabinet (P.), defeated Mr R. T. Vale, M.L.A. (P.). Bendigo. — Sir John Quick, who was one of th^s Victorian delegates to the last Federation Convention, was returned unopposed (P.). Balaclava.— The Right Hon. Sir G. Turner (P.), Treasurer in the Federal Cabinet, unopposed. Corinella.— Mr J. W. M'Cay. ex-M L.A. (P.), defeated Mr N. ".i .' ' VT -. (F.). Corio.— Mr R A. C-l< T' i •■• Messrs Levien, M.L.A. ('' , \ .'i '• >■> i (P.), and J. A. Boyd (F.).

Gippsland.— Mr M'Lean, M.L.A. (P ), exPremier, unopposed. Indi — Hon. J. A. Isaacs, Attorney-general in the State Parliament (P.), defeated Mr T. K. Ashworth (F.). Melbourne. — Sir Malcolm M'Eacharne (P.) defeated Dr Maloney, M.L A. (P.), and Mr L. J. Plough (P.) Melbourne Ports. — Mr S. Mauger, M.L A. (P.), unopposed. Melbourno Southern — Rev. J B. Ronald (L.P.) defeated Messrs D. Cumson, exM.L A. (P.), E. Joske (P.), D. M'Aithur (P.), and A. Sutherland, M.A. (F.) Melb6urne Northern. — Mr H B. Higgins (P.), who was one of the Victorian delegates at the last convention, defeated Messrs John Gardiner, ex-M.L.A., Isaac Selby, an exDunedinite (P.), and Robert Barr (P.). Kooyong.— Mr W. Knox, M.L C. (F.), defeated Messrs J. W. Rogers (F.) and B. J. Fink. M.L.A. (P.). Flinders.— Mr A. C. Groom (P.) has been elected, defeating Dr L. L. Smith (P.) and Mr A. Downward (P.). ' Moira. — Mr Thomas Kennedy, M.L.A. (P.), defeated Mr John West (F.). Grampians. — Mr Thomas Skene, a grazier (F.), defeated Messrs A. W. Rinder (P.) and H. H. • Wellenhall. Memda.— Mr Robert Harper (P.) defeated Messrs! 1 . Hunt and S. Slott. Wiuvmera.— Mr P. Phillips. M.L.C. (P.), was elected, defeating Messrs W. H. Irvine, M.L.A., and H. Williams, low tariff advocates. Bourke.— Mr J. H. Cook. ex-M.L.A.. defeated Dr Rose, ex-M.L.A. (P.), Messrs Hickford (F.), James Mirams (P.), and M. Hannah (P.L ). Corangamite —Mr J. C. Manifold (F.) defeated Mr J. Woods (P.). Laanecoorie. — Mr W. B. Grose, M.L.A. (P.), defeated Dr Carty Salmen, M.L.A , an ex-Minister of Education (P.J. Wannon.— Mr S. W. Cooke, M.L.A (F ), defeated Messrs L. J. Cussen (P.) and L. Horwitz (P.). The prcseat state of parties is: — Protectionists 14Freetradei'3 3 Incomplete 6 Senvte. The following 1 aye been returned : — The Hon. Simon Fraser, M.L.C. (P ). Sir WilHasn Zea!, President of the State Legislative Council (P.). Mr James Styles, ex-M.L.A. (P.). Sir F. Sargood, M.L.C. (F.). Mr R. W. Be <t, ex-Minister of Lands (P.). Mr J. G. Barrett, secretary of the Trades Hall (L.). SOUTH AUSTRALIA. The State is treated as one electorate for the elections. The elections passed off quietly. None of the returns are complete, but the latest practically assure the return of the f ollowing ; — House of Representatives. Mr C. C. Kingston, Federal Minister for Customs (P)-. - Sir -John L. Bonny thorn, newspaper proprietor- (P.). Mr E. Lee Batchelor, engine-fitter (Labour Protectionist)) Ste-te Minister for Education. Mr F. W. Holder, State Premier and Treasurer -(F.) Mr P. M. Glynn,-M.P. (F.). For the other two seats Messrs A. Poynton, M.P., and M. N. L. Solomon, M.P., both Freetraders, are leading. Ssnate. Sir R. C. Baker. M.L.C. (F.), Mr D. L. Charlston. M.L.C. (F.), Sir J. H. Synion (F ), Sir J. W. Downer, M.P. (P.), Mr G. M'Gregor (P.), and Mr T. Playford, M.P. (P.), aie leading. QUEENSLAND. The returns are incomplete. The following have been elected : — House of Repeesexiatives. Darling Downs. — Mr W. H. Groom (P.) elected. Kennedy. — Mr C. M'Dor.ald (Labour) defeated Mr M. Barnett (F.). Biibbane. — M- T. Macdonald-Pattcrson (P.). Senate. Messrs Higgs, Dawson, and Steward (Labour), Drake, Ferguson, and Glassey (Protect lonistr) are leading. A feature of the elections in Queensland is the. success of the Labour party. As far as tho present returns go, the party have secured four out of the six Senators and five out of the nine seats for the House of Representatives, thus speaking with no uncertain sound on the question of a " White Australia." All the principal sugar districts returned Labour representatives. WESTERN AUSTRALIA. House of Representatives. Swan — Right Hon. Sir John Forrest, Federal Defence Mini&ter (P.), unopposed. Fremantle. — Mr Elias Solomon (F.) defeated Messrs W. E. Adcock (F.), C. E. Jones (P ), T. O'Beirne (L.)., and J. R. Rowland (P.). > Perth— Mr J. M. Fowler (L.F.) defeated Mr M. F. Kavanagh (P.). The returns for Kalgoorhe ar.d Coolgardie are incomplete. TASMANIA. This colony votes as one electorate under the modified Hare system. Those elected are : — House of Representatives. Sir E. N C. Braddon, an ex-Premier (F). Hon. F. W. Pie«se (F.). Mr D. C. Cameron (F., but a supporter of the Barton Ministry). Sir P. O. Fysh, ex- Agent-general and ex-Treasurer (P.). Mr King O'Malley (P.). The state of parties is: — Freetraders •■ v« ~. 3 Protectionists .-. * ~. 2 Sex ate. The leading candidates aie, but the returns are far from complete: — Hon. Henry Dobson (F.). Mr D. J. O'Keefe (F.). Mr J. S. demons (F.). Mr James Macfarlane (F.). Lieutenant-colonel Cameron (P.). Mr J. H. Keating (F.). Of the above, Messrs Dobson, O'Keefe, and Keating are Bartonites, while Messrs Clemons and Macfarlane are Rciditics. Tho state of partie» is. — Fiectraders., 5; Pro tcctiomst, 1. The approximate aggregate of parties in the four States is:— •

Protection 25 Frestrade 25 'Independent 1 The Ministerialists claim to have 26 supporters. Mr Barton expects to carry the lemaining six Victorian seats in the Lower House, and thinks that the final returns will improve his position in New South Wale*. A storm in the country districts is preventing the rest of the Victorian returns from coming to hand. Mr G. H. Reid has expressed satisfaction at the way in which the Freetrade party in New South Wales have stuck together. It is believed that at least five of the Senate seats in New South Wales will bs captured by Freetraders. The elections have caused but little excitement in Tasmania and Westraha. Apiil 1. The state of parties approximately for all the s:x States is : — House of Representatives. Protectionists 39 Freetraders 31 Doubtful 5 Sex \te. Protectionists 14 Freetraders 20 Doubtful 2 (Received April 1, at 3 p.m.) The following additional returns for the House of Representatives are to hand : — WESTERN AUSTRALIA. Kalgoorlic. — Mr J. W. Kirvian, journalist (F.), defeated Mr J. M. Hopkins (F.). QUEENSLAND. Wide Bay. — Mr A. Fisher (Labour) defeated Mr j. T. Annear (P.). VICTORIA. Kchuca.— Mr J. H. M'Coll, M.L.A. (P.), defeated Mr Maximilian Hirsch (F.).