THE GENERAL ELECTIONS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 2, 12 December 1911, Page 5

THE GENERAL ELECTIONS.

A DEAD HEAT,

(Per Press Association)

Chrischurch, December 11. The count of the votes polled in Christchurch East was completed-early this evening, with the result that the returning officer found_ that Messrs Davy and Hunter- received an equal number of votes. The figures published on Friday morning relating to one booth credited Mr Davey with 40 votes more than the figures as disclosed by the count showed were due to him. The returning officer has decided to wait till noon to-morrow to allow voters’ permits to come inf before ho makes his official declaration of the poll.

Wellington central re-

count

Wellington, December 11. As a result of the votes in the Wellington Central and the receipt of seamen’s and absent voters’ ballot the position is now as follows:—Fisher 2985, Fletcher 2981, Young 1372, and Freeman ISO. There are still four seamen’s and four absent voters’ papers to come in.

THE MASTERTON SEAT

Eketahuna, December ,11. Mrs A. L. Herdman, M.P., of Wellington, addressed a large meeting at Eketahuna to-night. He criticised the present administration, claiming that the Government lacked intelligence, backbone and conscience. By turning the Government out he hoped for bettor conditions, and sincerely believed they would get it. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr Herdman, amidst cheers for the Reform candidate. MR MASSEY’S MANIFESTO. Auckland, December 11. Mr Massey has issued a manifesto to electors of New Zealand, in which he asks them to support the Reform Party’s candidates at the second ballot's. He says a splendid testimony has been accorded the Reform Party by its victory on the first ballot. There is, he says, evidence of an awakened interest in political affairs, and ho trusts the electors desirous of reform will rally to the call and work whole-heartedly in the best and truest interest of the Dominion. After dealing with the defects in the' present administration and detailing the Opposition’s policy, Mr Massey concludes: “I ask you to consider these matters well and by your votes to sav that you are finished once and for all with a Government that has neglected its duty, flouted the will of the people, and forgotten all sense of its stewardship, and now has nothing to offer but empty promises that) would bo lost sight of a week hence. The Reform Party includes many able men who have records of long and faithful public service, men who are true representatives of the people and who have the interests of the people at heart, men able and ready to administer your public services and develop your country, industrially and socially, and to see that your hearths and homes are protected by a strong and more efficient system of defence. You can have every confidence in placing your estate and public affairs in their stewardship.” IS MR. ROSS SAFE ? Pahiatua, December 12. The Hon. T. Mackenzie delivered an address at Pahiatua last night in support of the candidature of Mr. R. B. Ross, Ministerial candidate. Mr. Mackenzie dealt with the charges against the Administration and work of the Agricultural Department. At the conclusion a vote of thanks and confidence in the Ministry was declared carried. There was a largo volume of dissent, and it was very difficult to tell how many voted for and against, but probably a majority of those who voted favoured the motion. The Minister called for cheers for Mr. Ross, and again there was a mixed response. STRATFORD RE-COUNT. A re-count of the electoral papers by the scrutineers in the presence of a J.P. is being commenced at the Court House this morning.