GENERAL ELECTIONS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 99, 9 December 1911, Page 5

GENERAL ELECTIONS.

MORE SECOND BALLOTS IN THE AIR. TWO FOR CHRISTCHURCH. (Per Press Association.) Christchurch, December 8. There is a possibility of a second ballot in South Christchurch. Mr Ell has only polled 19 votes in excess of the absolute majority of valid votes, and 45 absent voters’ permits were issued. In addition there were 196 informal votes cast. There is also some likelihood of a second ballot in Christchurch East, between Mr Tracker and Mr Hunter. Of a total number of absent voters permits issued the returning officer has received seventy-three, and possibly these may contain sufficient votes for Mr Hunter to place lain second'on the poll. The scrutiny of Christchurch East roll and recount take place tomorrow. , r • , At a meeting of Mr Ensor s friends and supporters this afternoon, several prominent labour men were present, and promised to give Mr Ensor what assistance they could. DOUBT REGARDING PALMERSTON SEAT. Palmerston, December 8. There is much interest here as to the position regarding the second ballot for the Palmerston seat. The position is that Mr Buick has a majority of ten. There are 177 absentee votes to come, and the returning officer has received telegraphic notification of the recording of 120 of these. The official recount will take place to-morrow, when the absentee votes will also probably be opened.

WHO WILL CONTEST CHALMERS SECOND BALLOT.

MANY ABSENTEE VOTERS

Dunedin, December 8. The returning officer for Chalmers may be able to-morrow night to announce whether Mr Johnson or Mr Dickson will be in the second ballot. At the present the former is leading the latter by four votes. Nine absent voters’ votes came to hand to-day, leaving nearly a hundred still to come. Several have to come from as far 'as Whangarei.

TREASURY BENCHES COVETED BY LABOUR PARTY.

ACTIVE CAMPAIGN FORECASTED

Christchurch, December 8

The Labour Representation Committee met to-night, and the question of the selection of candidates in the second ballots in Avon, Riccarton and Christchurch East, was discussed at considerable length. Ultimately it was decided that Labour should take no action regarding the second, ballots in any of these electorates. it was decided to initiate > strenuous three years’ campaign on behalf of Labour, in conjunction with the Labour Party in other parts of the Dominion, with the object of capturing the Gpverritnerit of the Dominion three years liehce. ,It is unofficially understood tliat Labour will support Mr Ensoi for Riccarton, and Mr McCombs in'AvoiiU V'

THE RIVAL LEADERS GIVE PRESS INTERVIEWS.

THE PRIME MINISTER

i * “Invercargill, December 8. In an interview, Sir Joseph Ward said tluvt the country must await the result of the second ballots before coming to a definite conclusion as to the will of the people. “Notwithstanding? tite' rosLUo ’ recorded so far',” con- 1 tinned the Prime Minister, “1 tan firmly convinced that- when the returns on tne second ballot are taken, the verdet of tne iieople will be in favour of tne Liberal Party continuing to guide the destinies of this country. ‘T have no hesitation in saying that our party lias had to contend against most unfair and unscrupulous tactics. Every device ims been resorted to with tne object of discrediting the Liberal Party, and i t is gratifying to find that notwithstanding this, the results are such as to inspire one with the belief that the outcome of the second ballots will be to give a solid working majority to the Government. 1 regret that a few old friends of tne party have not been successful in the light, particularly those who have so long and so ably assisted in the past to place on the statute Book progressive measures for the benefit ol the people, but 1 am not in the slightest dispirited, because 1 place my confident expectations on the dominant common-sense and the progressive sentiments of the people of this country, and I look forward with confidence to these views being confirmed when the members of our party who are in the second ballots appeal to the judgment of the electors next Thursday. Ihoy include some of the strongest, ablest, and most progressive men of the Liberal Party, ana I therefore entertain no doubt tluvt the liberal-mind-ed and progressive people in the electorates where second ballots take place will stand loyally by them. “It will be recognised that our candidates who are now in the second ballots have had to contest their elections against two opposing forces with nothing in common, yet distinct in aims and policy. W here the majorities recorded by the two or more against them, if in some cases substantial and spread amongst those in favour of the uiberal party, whatever differences may exist between the two progressive parties in this country, in their common interest it will, i believe, be found that they will unite and solidly support the candidate of the Liberal Party.” MR. MASSEY. Auckland, December 8. The Leader of the Opposition (Mr. \V. E. Massey) is well satisfied with the results of the first ballot, and is confident that the prospects of the party are very bright. The results of the election so far as they have gone are. of course, very satisfactory to the Reform Party. Air .l Massey said this afternoon: “I notice that Ministers and the journalistic supporters of the Government are trying to explain the fact that the Ward Ministry is engaged in a life and death struggle, and that up to the present the Honours are certainly with the Opposition. The fact is, that the people of New Zealand are Heartily tired of the spurious liberalism, sham democracy, and improper and extravagant methods the present Administration, and in their desire for a sane and honest policy and an energetic Administration, are turning to men who, for years past, have conscientiously done their duty on the Opposition side of the House.” ‘•Two of our men have gone down in the light,” continued Mr. Massey. “One, Air. Hardy, has lost Ins seat on account of a local squabble over the Water Supply Bill, which was before Parliament last session, and the other, Air. Dive, because ho was not i able to make so many promises as his

opponent, the Minister of Agriculture. Hut the Government has lost Auckland West, Waikato, Taumarunni, Oamaru, and Waipawa, and has failed to secure the now seat of Raglan. It is quite safe to predict that it will lose many more seats at the second ballots on Thursday, i am strongly of opinion tliat wo shall secure a 'majority of the seats for winch the representation has not yet been decided, and that there will be more surprises next week than there were yesterday. 1 am not in the habit of boasting, but the “writing is on the wall,” and 1 am convinced that the Ministry has received notice to quit in all directions, and from all sections of tiie community. 1 have heard the opinion expressed that the Government has been in olfico too long, and that a change would be in the best interests of the country. I believe that a change is coming.” “Yesterday’s polling,” remarked Mr Massey, “shows that the “new evangel” is not worth discussing.” SECOND BALLOTS NECESSARY. Kaipara—Stall worthy and Coates. Waitemata—Napier and Harris. Grey Lynn—Foulds and Payne. Raglan—Bollard and Bell. Parnell—Dickson and Findlay. Hawke’s Bay—Campbell and Simpson. Otaki—Field and Robertson. Masterton —Hogg and Sykes. Pahiatua—Escott and Boss. Wanganui—Hogan and Vbitch. Ohinemuri —Poland and Hickey. Wellington Central—Fisher and Flet-

cher. Wellington East—McLaren and New-

man. Wellington South—Wright and Hiucl-

marsh. Wellington Suburbs—Bell and Moore. Nelson—Atmore and Moll'att. Wairau—Duncan and McCallnm. Kaiapoi—Moore and Buddo. Avon—Russell and McCoombs Riccarton —-Witty and Ensor. Christchurch North—lsitt and Hall. Christchurch East—Thacker and Da-

vey. Ashburton—Nosworthy and Kennedy. Timaru—Craigie and Moore. Chalmers—Clark and Johnson (?) Dunedin North—Douglas and G. M

Thomsoh. Dunedin West—Millar and Bedford. Invercargill—Hannan and Fleming. Waitaki —Macplierson and Smith. Waimarino—Smith and Hockley. MAORI ELECTIONS. Three contested Maori elections will be held at the end of the month. THANKS TO RETURNING OFFICERS. The Returning Officer, Mr F. Bird, wishes to express bis thanks to his Deputy-returning Officers and poll clerks for the prompt way in which they did their work, and the satisfactory manner.in which the returns were sent in. The following is a complete ist of these officials :—Electoral Boll; Messrs B. Skoglund, T. M. Marlowe, P. .Thomson, ;C. Botts, S. Spence, H. A. Eason, H. Trimble, V. V. Wilson, f. B. Simpson, R. Brown, N. Black. !). Todd, K. A. Kenwood,; S. .Ikirnhlill, If G. Morgan, G. Morgan, W. G. Shotmark, C. -J. S. Craddock/ W. .T.. Mil's C. Tv. X {A.Anld; I J. iV. Mail, A E. Gorton, N.' Brown, A. B. Macdonald, B. Fearon, F. Dunlop, J. Cumoenvdrth, T. Grubb, N. Temper, R. B. Milne, C. Watchcorn, W. J. Simpson, G. Calvert, E. Fincham, S. Oato, F. N. Ritchie, M. Ford, G. W. Calvert, A. Rogers, G. Mackie, W. H. ■Taylor, J. G. Milson, B. Simmons, W. Jleeson, J. W. Gee, A. J. Bray, C. McCoutchan, J. A. Robertson, J. Habo wski, and A. W. Birss. Deputy•etnrning Officers for the Liceaviig Poll: Messrs C.’ Bonn, L. Tocker, W. Ryan, A. King, E. H. Toney, J. Jamison, R. E. Thomas, R. E. Taylor, G. Wilson, W. Bowler, G. Hemvood, T. Malone. F. J. Virgin, J. Hunter, J. Williams,;,; W/jßogeys 1 , J- .Jones JStrachurski, C. Latham, H. Cameron, J. .1. Watkins. J. Christoffel, A. J. Smith, L. Webster, N{ .Thorpe, I). Cameron, N. Day, C. S. Gatton, W. Hughes, A. Meredith, J. H. Boccck, B, Everiss, G.vCqates, A. Coyne, G. Poole, R. C. Templar, H. L. Silk, T. Moody, F. Davis,. F. A. Bradley, W. Hodge, W. Murdock, W. Hallett, A. Parker, C. Crawshaw, A. Black, Mesdames A. Friday, E. Mace, E. J. Black, A. G. Smith. 801 l clerks: Messrs Don Sullivan, C. Reader, C. Bennett, B. Malone, H. Burmester. SOME SMART WORK. Some smart work was done at the No. 2 booth, Town Hall, where Messrs F. M. Malowe and L. Tocker (Deputyreturning Officers) put through during the day 649 voters, thus handling J 947 ,wipers. Probably no booth in New Zealand put through as many vote is is 500 is considered a big amount for mo booth. The results w .u e available within an hour and a half c. the closing time after being counted three times. ‘STUCK IN THE MUO. ’ While a “Stratford Evening Best” reporter was at the Court House tins morning one of the Deputy •; c.turning Officers, Mr Fred Davies, arrived with his ballot boxes bundled togecner in i sack. “The waggon,” le s-'iu “got stuck in the mud on the Wbaugaicoaiona Saddle, and I had to cairy hi tin over in this sack on my back.” Truly the lot of a Deputy-returning Officer in the back country is a hard one . WHAT THE PAPERS SAY. Following are newspaper comments on the general elections: — “New Zealand Times” :—The result of the polling taken on Thursday throughout the Dominion leaves me public in a state of suspense, for Opposition and Government are at the ..ument running neck-and-neck. So far the honours are with the Opposition. . . We need hardly say that we arc surprised at some of these results, particularly at the defeat of Messrs. Jennings and Arnold. The outstanding feature of the polls taken in New Zealand yesterday on the licensing question is undoubtedly the strength of the vote for National Prohibition. So far as the local option results go, on the return to band this morning, the position appears to be unchanged. ... Wellington “ Dominion” :—Yesterday Wardism was on its trial, and the verdict of the country has been emphatic. The Continuous Ministry today stand condemned. The returns so far available show that for the first time in twenty years the Continuous Ministry cannot rely on a majority iu Parliament. . . . While we congratulate the country on the verdict passed at yesterday’s polls, we would urge that* the work must be completed with thoroughness at the second ballots next Thursday. “Eltham Argus”:—Whatever the results may bo. it is evident that the strength of parties will bo so close that politics will be endowed with great interest for the next three years “Hawera Star”:—The Government have been bit hard by the elections, i bow hard will not bo definitely known I until the second ballots have boon defended. But so far the absolute losses

ef the Government reduce their majoricy to a vanishing point, and among the losses are some prominent men. At best the Government has a very precarious hold of ollice. . . “Wairarapa Age” :—The polls on Thursday next will see the end of the Ward Administration, and the country will he the better off. “Inglewood Record” :—The voice of the people has been given, the power of the present Administration has vanished, and even its existence now depends on a few second ballots. “Patoa Press”:—As was generally expected, the General Election for 11)11 has resulted in a large number of electors reversing the votes given to Parliamentary candidates at the last general election. “Taranaki Daily News”:—A feature of the position is the place Independents and Labourites may occupy. Most of them have declared their hostility to the Government and their intention of voting against them on a no-confi-dence motion, though neither are much enamoured of Mr Massey and his party. it appears as if they will bo very much in the position the Irish Party occupy at present in the House of Commons, being able practically to declare what policy shall be pursued, and having the power of ending the Ministry saould it incur their displeasure. It may be, of course, tliat the Opposition will gain enough of the second ballot seats to be independent of the other sections, but it is doubtful. “Taranaki Herald”:—One thing is very clear, that the elections have gone against the Government. Sill* Joseph Ward may not perhaps have met his "Waterloo, but he will come very near it. . . It would bo hypocrisy on our part to say that we are sorry Mr Jennings is beaten, though we must acknowledge that ho served Taumarunui as few members of Parliament have served their constituents. But he could not withstand the wave of Reform feeling which carried Mr Wilson to a particularly well deserved victory. Mr McCluggage put up a strenuous fight against a strong and popular man in . Mr - Hine, but he, too, had to succumb to the determination of the electors to bring about a change of Government if possible. “Manawatu Daily Times”:—Tho election results throughout the Dominion yesterday furnished some surprises. Seats that wore regarded' as safe have proved doubtful and others that were doubtful have proved to be in no, sort of doubt. . . In the face of the desperate campaign of calumination that has gone on, the Premier has every reason to feel satisfied with yesterday’s results, however much he may regret that Palmerston was not won back and that a few members of the party have been overtaken by the misfortunes of political war. “Wanganui Herald” :—Not > since John Balia nee lowered the flag of the Conservative Party in 1891 has such interest been centred in an election contest as that fought out yesterday, and never has there boon a keener struggle to vindicate the principles of Democracy. It has to be admitted with some little regret that/there, was a tendency amongst a certain section of the .Government party to' verge towards Conservative ideas, even if they did not openly ally themselves with . the conservative party. . . So far the Government have lost several seats, and■ will’ probably lose two or throe more in the second ballot, which will leave the parties more evenly balanced. No Labour candidates have been elected, but there are seven in the second ballot, of whom some at least have a fair chance of return, in which case there may be a considerable swing of the Parliamentary pendulum. While not desiring to see the Government displaced, we think the probable position is likely to result in good, in that Sir Joseph Ward will be compelled to strengthen his Government more in accordance with democratic, ideals and to work accordingly. , THE WOMEN’S REST. The Women’s Christian Temperance Union have reason to be pleased with the success of their rest and refreshment rooms on polling day. Hundreds of weary voters and workers were invigorated by “the cup that cheers but not inebriates.” The following ladies assisted throughout the day:—-Mes-dames T. White (president), R. H. White, Harrison, Parker, Sangster, Cameron, Petrie, Wilson, Mackay (secretary), Lilley, Sole, McAlister, H. Masters, and Miss McKeown. ! The Union tenders hearty thanks to those who gave so liberally towards the refreshment rooms and to the directors of the Stratford Co-op. for the use of their rooms.