CHRISTCHURCH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 1912, 21 April 1874, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH.

The polling forthe return of three members to represent the City of Christchurch in the Provincial Council, took place between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. yesterday. There were six candidates in the field — Messrs Andrews, Tancred, Inglis, Hart, Hawkes, and Dr Turnbull— and from the moment the poll opened the greatest interest was taken in the proceedings. Messrs Andrews and Tancred went m on the same ticket, and the exertions of their joint committee had the result of placing them first and second on the poll. There was an unprecedented amount of speculation on the result, and the announcement ot the poll -was looked forward to With a greater amount of interest than has ever been manifested on any former occasion. Towards the afternoon a very. largo crowd began to assemble m front of the Oddfellows' Hall, and the usual process of "flouring" the various candidates and others was indulge I in moat freeL, but throughout the proceedings the utmost good nature prevailed. Dr Donald, principal Returning Officer, and Mr E. J. Lee, hia deputy, were present afc the ; hall from the opening until the close of the poll. There are upwards of 1400 electors on tho roll, and out of this number nearly 900 ; recorded their votes yesterday. The consequence was that tho making up of the returnsoccupied a longer time than was anticipated, and ifc was some minutes after six o'clock before the doors of ihe hall were thrown open. There was an instantaneous rush for admission, and some time elapsed bofore the Returning Officer was enabled to make himself heard, consequent on the general confusion and the repeated cries of " order " which resounded from all parts of the hall. Ultimately order was sufficiently restored to allow? those who had gained access to the platform to hear the announcement of' the poll, as follows : Andrews ... ... 454 Tancred 453 Turnbull 403 Hart 337 Inglis 300 Hawkes 101 There was great cheering on the result being made known. Somo of the candidates, addressed tho ,meeting;.bufc very little of what thoy said was audible;.