A CLOSE FIGHT.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 March 1924, Page 5

A CLOSE FIGHT.

PfeY-ELECTION IN ENGLAND. CHURCHILL DEFEATED. CONSERVATIVE VICTORY By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, March 20. The Westminster Abbey by-election resulted.— Nicholson (Conservative) ... 8186 Churchill (Anti-Socialist) ... 8153 Brockway (Labour) 6155 Dockers (Liberal) 290 On a recount being ordered Nicholaon’s majority was increased to 43. The excitement at the by-election, which was unprecedented throughout owing to the energy with which Mr. Churchill, standing as an independent Anti-Socialist, but supported by many S prominent Conservatives, including Lord Balfour, conducted his electioneering, culminated in an erroneous announcement of the poll in the early editions of the evening papers, which were rushed to the streets. The cables flashed world-wide declaring that Mr. Churchill was elected, but this was immediately cancelled. The figure* later showed that the voting Was eiose and Mr. Churchill’s demand for a recount was granted. The Liberal. Mr. Scott Dickers, polled so few that he must forfeit hip deposit but. as he throughout said, he would be satisfied if he kept Mr. Churchill out. The result will probably console him. The excitement in the counting room was intense. Just before the figures were announced it was intimated that Mr. Churchill had been elected. He was warmlv congratulated by his supporters and. smiling and happy, went to his wife or the platform and told her of his victory. I A few minutes later there was a sudden silence, when the returning officer pointed out that there had been an error and that Mr. Nicholson headed the poll. This wa* confirmed bv a closer examination of the papers. Conwere showered upon Mr. while Mr. Churchill, looking perturbed, walked up and down the hall biting his lips.