SURPRISE AT STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 November 1925, Page 10

SURPRISE AT STRATFORD.

SITTING MEMBER BEATEN. WALTER DEFEATS MASTERS. (From Our Own Reporter.) Stratford, Last Night. A bombshell was exploded in Stratford when it became known that the sitting member (Mr. R. Masters) had lost his scat to the Government candidate (Mr. E. Walter). The polling was comparatively even until the Inglewood results came to hand, carrying with them a majority ol 163 for Walter, which placed him definitely in the lead. Mr. Walter also substantially increased the percentage of votes cast in favour of the Government at the last election in the town of Stratford and at various country centres. Dense crowds gathered in Broadway at an early hour in anticipation of the results being shown on the screen arranged on the opposite side of the street from the King’s Theatre. The thoroughfare was barricaded off to prevent wheeled traffic from interfering with the eager watchers. Loud cheering greeted the display of the various results, but the crowd was otherwise orderly. Mr. Walter, who was greeted, by prolonged cheers, said that he would always do his best for all his constituents, no matter what their political views might be. He said lie gave JVJr. Masters credit foi holding the same Sentiments; believed the visit of the Prime Minister had materially contributed to liii victory. The people realised that Mr. Coates was the right man in the right place, and they had done a good thing in supporting him so heartily. He then cordially thanked his supporters and was sincerely grateful to his opponents for the good hearing they had given him. At his invitation ringing cheers were given for Mr. Masters and Mr. Coates. Mr. Masters also received an ovation. He congratulated Mr. Walter on his victory, which, lie said, was well deserved. He* did not begrudge him the honour, and could assure all that there was no ill-feeling or regrets. While in Parliament he had done liis best for the town and district and every section of the commuiiity. He thanked his supporters and liis hard working committee, and also his opponents for their generous treatment. He called for cheers for Mr. Walter, which were enthusiastically given. _ Masters. Waiter.

Actulua Ast wood ...... Bird Road .. 19 2 25 7 0 38 Cardiff 59 80 Dawson Falls ... •2 1 Denbigh Road . 17 15 Douglas 21 66 Dudley Road lo 36 Egmont Village 7'5 39 Durham Road 42 43 Finnerty Road 12 i 18 Huinga 19. 41 Huiroa 61 Hobson (Bristol Road) 10 19 Inglewood 323 477 Kahouri 5 27 Kaimata - • • B6 82 Kaimiro 37 39 Kiore 9 12 Kohuratahi 42 44 Lincoln Road 16 41 Malioe 50 62 Mairangae 16 9 Ma ng acre t 13 1 Mangapapa 6 1 Ala tan 9 •j i Vid hirst 100 87 Moki Road 2 2 Alctukawa 44 68 144 Norfolk Road 30 Pembroke Road 51 31 Poliokura 18 14 Pukeho • • 12 28 Pukengahu 47 78 Puniwhakau 12 20 Furangi 6 10 Radnor Road 9 Ratapiko 49 21 19 38 Stanley Road 73 57 Siva tfo rd (Cour tbouse) 303 222 Stratford (Town Hall) 698 652 Strathmore 19 26 Tnliora 87 42 Tarata 13 48 Tariki 99 119 To Popo 22 16 Te W era 65 38 r I ( ,ko 129 101 Tuna 21 45 Tut uta wa 27 20 Waingongoro Waiongora 4 Zb Waipuku Waitui 50 Wbangauiomona • >- York Road Lb 25 Totals ' 1146 3442 Absent votes to come .... 274 - Majority for Valter 2'Jil /