GERALDINE ELECTION.

Temuka Leader, Issue 174, 10 September 1879, Page 2

GERALDINE ELECTION.

The election of a candidate to represent the electoral district of Geraldine took place yesterday, resulting in the return of Mr Wakefield.

.At a very early hour in the morning it was apparent that something unusual was in the wind, as people were flying about in all directions in a very excited state, and nothing was heaid of but the election One prominent supporter of Mr Wakefield was on the stump as early as 6 a.mr A number of vehicles were flying about placarded with the bilks of the two candidates. Punctually at 9 the poll opened, and the voting oommenced. The partisans of the candidates were very active, doing their very utmost to induce voters to vote for their candidate.

The express from Christchurch brought a large number of voters, about 30, and mostly supporters of Mr W%kefield. The train from Timaru brought a large number, principally supporters of Mr Henry Feld wick.

The crowd now begun to grow large, and the excitement increasing. It was generally supposed at this time that Mr Feld wick had a majority. The canvassers for each were now very active, and did their very utmost to bring their men to the poll. Some excellent political ski's were circulated during the day, otic representing Mr Wakefield as politically dead being exceedingly r good. The poll closed at 4 o’clock, and at 10 minutes to 5 the Returning Officer (Mr Beetbam) made his on the verand h of the Courthouse and , announced the state of the poll to be—t • Mr Wakefield ... ... 175 .Mr Feldwick ; ..‘.V 427

Tha result was received with loud and prolonged cheers. Mr Wakefield was then earned shonldcr high to Quinn’s Star Hotel, where he made a speech from the lull cony, thanking the electors for having again elected him to the proud position of .representative for Geraldine ; and although t) if returns for Geraldine were not in, he had-confidence enough in his friends there getting him a, good majority. Ho .assured those who had voted against hinj that he bore them no malice, and would do his very utmost to further, their intf ' osis in Parliament: Tire close of his address w'as the signal for great cheering, and calls were heard for Mr Hollos ton.

Mr Eolleston came forward and briefly addressed the electors, and thanked them for returning Mr Wakefield. 'l'he crowd then dispersed, and almost immediately Mr Feld wick arrived from Geraldine, He was received with three cheers, and addressed the electors from jiis buggy, thanking all tliose who had for him, and particularly those who had worked so hard for his return. His remarks' were well received, and great cheering followed. The Geralufne returns were received about this time— Wakefield 72, Feldwick 33—thus giving && Wakefield a majority of 87. There are CV’6 voters on the roll, and 407 voted.