THE CHRISTCHURCH ELECTION.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 3143, 18 July 1901, Page 3

THE CHRISTCHURCH ELECTION.

Per Press Association,

CHRISTCHURCH, July 18. So far the polling has not been heavy, and present indications point to probably not a large number of electors recording their votes. The morning broke dull and grey, and just before noon a light rain began to fall. There is absolutely no sign of excitement, and very few vehicles are to be seen conveying elctors to booths. There are no indications that canvassing is going on, and there is a total absence of the large crowds previously present round the booths handing tickets and bills to voters. Only one candidate has gone to the trouble of having representatives outside some of the larger booths with copies of the roll, for the purpose of supplying their numbers on the roll to electors. This being the first election held under the Act of last ‘session, considerable doubt existed as to whether offices, warehouses, and factories were compelled to close at noon. Several employers, it is understood; have received legal opinions to ( the effect that the section is vague, and it is not incumbent on them to close. Despite this, the majority of the warehouses and offices closed at midday, as did the hotels.