Political Gossip.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 11718, 19 July 1901, Page 2

Political Gossip.

THE CHRISTCHURCH ELECTION [PEit PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Christchurch, July 18. — The election, for the vacant Christchurch seat passed very quietly to-day. The polling was small, only 9707 votes being cast out of 17,355 on the roll. It was generally anticipated that the contest between G. J. Smith and Chas. Taylor would be clobo, and that Turnbull's support of denominational grants would mean a loss of ground to him. The totals are: — G. J. Smith ... 3912 Charles Taylor ... . 3418 A. H. Turnbull ... 2377 FARMERS' UNIONS. Wellington; July 18. — At a meeting of country members of the House held to-day at the instance of Mr Moore, Secretary of the Producers' Union, the following members were present :—: — Messrs Meredith (in the chair), Hall, Stevens, - Carncross, Houston, E. G. Allan. Symes, O'Mera, G- W. Russell, J. Allan, Monk, Lang, Bollard, Pirani, J. W. Thompson, and Lcthbridge. The following resolution was carried unanimously :: — *' That this meeting of members of the House of Representatives, while thanking Mr Moore for his address and for the work he has done in theinterests of farmers, recommends the Producers' Union to join with the Farmers' Union, so that the two Unions may become an association to work together in the interests of country settlers and of the colony as a whole." THE PATEA ELECTION. Patea, July 19.— The state of the poll at noon to-day was : Haselden, 883 ; Heslop, 843; Remington, 488; 14 returns to come. Later.— At 1.20 p.m. Mr H"selden was leadidg by 18; 12 returns Mill to come. Latest. — With 8 small returns to come Hagelden is leading by 21, A private wire, dated 3 p.m., says Henlop is leading by 20; other returns likely to increase his majority.