TO-DAY'S ELECTION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10234, 17 August 1911, Page 3

TO-DAY'S ELECTION.

THE CHlli SIGHURCH NORTH CONTEST. STEADY 'POLLING AT THE BOOTHS. MANY MOTOR-CARS IX USE. Christchurch North is not altogether iti a ferment of excitement in regal d to the struggle for the honour of representing it between Mr L. M. Isitt and Mr Wall, but a quiet and very wholesome interest is taken in the event by the electors, and all day long there has been steady polling at tiio booths in the principal centres of the electorate. Polling began unusually early. As a matter of fact, some of the booths were used almost as soou as they were opened at nine o'clock. 'J'his, apparently, is the result of the plan of campaign prepared by one of the candidates, \*Jiose committees adopted the motto, Vote early." Tt is claimed that the first vote of the day was given at the booth in Rugby Street, St Albans, by a lady voter, who, after recording her vote, stepped into a motor-car and was whirled rapidly away, arriving at Papanui in time to catch the train to Rangiora at eight minutes past nine. This voting early system has spread the work of recording votes over the time available. Up till two o'clock there had been no rush or confusion of any kind at any of the booths, and it is expected by those most concerned that difficulties of that character will be avoided, even when the time for closing draws near.

A notable feature of the election is the way in which the ladies have com© forward to take part in it. In the morning and far into the afternoon ladies, apparently, were in the majority. Most of the very early voters were ladies, and many of them evidently discharged their dnty in this respect before they entered upon their daily household work. Another notable feature is the surprisingly large numbers of motor-cars in use. It is probable that the motorcar is being used to-day to a greater extent than in any other election held in the dominion. The principal thoroughfares in the electorate are alive with them, and the sound of their horns and the rattle of their machinery are heard in all the quiet little rural lanes in the outlying parts of Christcliurch North. The fact that only two candidates were nominated has simplified the operation of voting, and there are not likely to be many informalities in that direction. Some comment has been made on the way the candidates' names have been printed, on the ballot-oapers. Only the surnames "Hall" and "Isitt" are given, the Christian names being omitted. This is in accordance with the recent regulations under the Act. When two candidates of the same name are standing for the same constituency the Christian names of each are given, and if the Christian names also happen to be the same the candidates' occupations are inserted.

Party colours are. not conspicuous amongst the supporters of the candidates. Mr Hall's friends are not displaying any colours whatever, hut prominent supporters of Mr Isitt display on the lappels of their coats a neat piece of tartan. Mr Isitt is an Englishman. The badge, however, serves its purpose just as well as if he were a Scotsman, and its pattern announces to all who are acquainted with the history and significance of tartans that a member, of the M'Kenzie clan is championing his cause and is in the forefront of the battle. A white button, bearing the words "National Prohibition," is also worn by some of Mr Isitt's supporters. It is reported that large numbers of electors have been turned away from the booths without being allowed to vote on account of their names not being on the roll. In many of these cases thoso affected state that they went through the proper formalities, and were even assured verbally or by letter that their nannss had been placed on the roll. In one instance, a gentlenfan had filled in the application form for his wile and had witnessed her signature as an elector, but lie found today to his surprise that while his wife's name is on the roll his own does not appear there. In spite of paragraphs in the newspapers scores of people have run away with tlio idea that because they voted at the last municipal election their names would be on the parliamentary roll in use today. When they entered the booth to vote they were told that they could not exercise the privilege.

Tlio polling will continue until 7 p.m. The following are the polling-places for the electoral district

The Old Provincial Council Chambers (Principal). Knox Schoolroom. Bealey Avenue. The Methodist School, Rugby Street. Pa-pa-nui "Road. Tlie Institute, Knijrhtslown. Tho Primitive Methodist School, corner Kdpjewaro Road and Madras Street.

Tho Fhmvood School, Leinster Road. Tho Tolerton flail. M'Fadden's Road. Marquee, corner Manchester Street and Boaley Avenue. F. \V. Lord's Store, corner Crniiford and Westminster Streets. L. Freeman's House, lnnes Road, St Alba ns. G. "W. Mummery's Workshop. Merivale bane. \V. K. Avar's St,ore, 132, Bea.!ev Street. J. Yeat.man's, 82, Caledonian Road.

THE TWO CANDIDATES. Mr L. M. Isitt and Mr .J- D. Hall, the two candidates, are well known to Christehureh people and tbev have carried through vigorous campaigns. Mr L. M. isitt, like Mr T. E. Taylor, is standing as an Independent, but Mr J. I). Hall is an opponent of the present Government. THE RESULTS. The results should commence to arrive at about 8.30 p.m., or even earlier. They will be shown at the " Lyttelton Times " office and will be announced at the Provincial Chambers, while nf each polling-place the deputy-returning officer will announce the figures for his booth.