THE EARLIER FIGURES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17218, 8 December 1923, Page 2

THE EARLIER FIGURES.

CHURCHILL DEFEATED. By Telegraph—Pre»» Association—Copy rink* Australian and N.Z. Cable Aeaueiation. LONDON, December 7. Seventy results had been announced by midnight, showing fourteen Conservative losses. This suggests a strong probability that the Liberals will lead the Opposition, and it is even possible that they may reach the Treasury benches. Where the Conservative candidates have held their seats there has been a big turnover of votes. Their majori* ties were reduced in some cases by 4000. But it must be remembered that results in the Conservatives’ strongholds, London and the Home Counties, have not yet been announced. It is evident that the boroughs in the north of England are more Kin favour of Free Trade than ever. \ Labour has largely increased its votes although, up to the present, the party has only gained four seats. It is evident that Manchester still clings to its traditional Cobdenism. Only six of the Liverpool divisions were contested by Liberals, who gained tw’o of these (Wavertree and West Derby) despite the fact that huge majorities were recorded therein for Conservatives a year ago. The returns opened with one Liberal and one Labour gainMr Winston Churchill’s defeat by Mr Pethick Lawrence, the husband of the suffragette leader, was announced at midnight and caused an immense sensation iu Trafalgar Squaro, the London xheatres and restaurants, and other places where the results were announced. Two and a quarter million listenersin heard the results. Pilkington (Liberal) has been elected for the Keighley division of Yorkshire, defeating H. B. the sitting Labour member. Sir Alfred Mond (Liberal) has been defeated in. Swansea NVest. /