CROWD AMAZED.

Thames Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 19572, 28 November 1935, Page 2

CROWD AMAZED.

LABOUR JUBILANT. Announcing The Results. SCENES AT “STAR” OFFICE. ADDRESSES BY CANDIDATES. Labour circles in the Thames electorate were very confident of success prior to the declaration of the poll yesterday, basing their calculations on their thorough organisation and the unpopularity of the Coalition Government, and so it proved, but few expected that Mr. Thorn woulo defeat Mr. Samuel by 1225 votes The latter’s supporters expected a hard and close fight, but as the

majority for Labour steadily mount ed in sympathy with the Dominionwide results there were expressions of amazement on all sides. At the office of the “Thames Star,’ where a very large crowd gatherec to watch the posting of the numbers and listen to the local information broadcast through the -loud-speaker and news by radio from 2YA national station, the study of the faces plainly indicated the shock or plea sure of the results, as the case migh be. Cheers greeted each announce ment of Labour’s ascendancy or fina victory, and when it was evident tine Mr. Thorn was in an impregnable position there were calls for the candidates, in response to'which Mr Samuel and Mr. Thorn mounted tin

platform accompanied by Mrs Samuel and Mrs. Thorn.

Mr. Thorn expressed his thank to his supporters and paid a tribut to the excellent qualities of his o; ponent, with whom he shook hand to the accompaniment of hearty ap plause. He stated that he himsel had often suffered defeat and knev the feeling of disappointment. How ever, it was evident there was ; landslide for Labour. He would d his utmost in the interests of all sec tions of the community, and wouh take up his residence in the Thame

constituency. Tie Avanted to be tin neighbour and friend of all classes He called for three cheers for Mr Samuel, Avhich Avere heartily given. Mr. Samuel congratulated Mr Thorn on his success and said In

must boAV to the decision of th “referee.” He realised he had hat the support of the majority of tin electors on other occasions, and that a change Avas inevitable. He regretted parting politically Avith the many friends he had made, but his services Avould be available to the country if they were ever required again His sympathies had ahvays been 01 the humanitarian side, and he hoped the successful party Avould be placed in a position strong enough to carry out its programme. With the final result of the Thames poll beyond doubt, interest turned to the AA’ireless announcements, and Labour supporters became more and more jubilant as seat after seat fell to their party’s onslaught. Many lingered till a late hour to listen to the broadcast addi’esses of the party leaders, Messrs. Forbes, Coates, Savage and Hislop, which were very clearly heard and followed Avith the keenest interest.

When the lights Avere turned off with the posting of the final state of the parties at 12.45 a.m., slioaving Labour Avith 52. seats, the feAv remaining spectators drifted home quite satisfied they had participated in an epic change in the political history of NeAV Zealand.