MAJORITY FOR MR GRAHAM.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12405, 21 November 1908, Page 6 (Supplement)

MAJORITY FOR MR GRAHAM.

SECOND BALLOT PRACTICALLY CERTAIN. THE LICENSING POLL. CONTINUANCE CARRIED. POSTING THE RETURNS. Shortly, after half past seven returns commenced to come in from the - outlying districts. A large sceen had been erected over "The Colonist" office, and on this the figures were projected hy a powerful lantern. - A very largo crowd collected in the street and on the vacant section opposite the office. The numbers greatly increased as the results of the polling came in more rapidly, and a dense crowd waited until about 11.30, when there was no further prospect of receiving more returns, three small ones, viz., Bulwer, Brightlands and Kia Ora (North "West Bay) being then lacking. The earlier returns gave. Mr Graham a lead, which in varying jiumbers of votes he maintained, he now having a majority of 210 votes over Mr Atmore, and a' deficiency of 83 on the combined totals of Messrs Atmoro and Moffatt. There is therefore every probability that a second ballot will be required. There were issued 111 absent voters 1 permits, and 19 seamen's rights. Several of the former were surrendered and it is unlikely that from the remainder, *.he seamen's • rights and the results yet to come from the booths mentioned; Mr Graham will Secure an absolute majority of the votes cast, and thus be returned on the first ballot. . « The interest taken in. the licensing poll rivalled that surrounding the elccoral contest. . Although the no license vote showed remarkable growth upon, the figures recordpuat the last election, it was insufficient " to abolish licenses, but as will be seen from the figures below, it very nearly sufficed to to carry reduction. • f