THE LICENSING POLL.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 15789, 10 April 1919, Page 7

THE LICENSING POLL.

TO-DAY’S PROCEEDINGS

To-day’s polling on the question of National Continuance or National Prohibition ■with compensation oprfnjd quietly so far-as 'Wanganui was cd'Qctrhfed, and though the rival organisations went about their wbrk with energy there was no great rush of voters during the forenoon hours. The'arrival of the luncheon hour, however, brought a, change, and thereafter there was a continual stream of electors, particularly at the principal booth (the Drill Hall), and at the time of our going to press the Returning Officer’s staff, as well as the Trade and Prohibition organisations, were working their hardest.

Except for the strenuous efforts of both: parties to bring their supporters to the poll, there was no undue excitement. The bearing of the voters seemed to generally indicate that they had come to the poll with their minds whll made up one way or the other, and for the most part simply went in quietly to the booths, recorded their votes, and then went equally quietly about their own ordinary business, or gathered in groups to discuss the prospects. Mr P. W. Hart, the Returning Officer, had all arrangements for the poll in excellent working order, and ,he and his staff carried out all duties with courtesy and expedition. The poll in town will close at 7 p.m., and the results at the various booths will be announced as soon thereafter as possible. The Agates as they come to hand will be screened by the “Herald” on a canvas on the Maria Place frontage of Chavannes’ Hotel, the lantern being operated from His Majesty’s Theatre, in the auditorium of which the results will also be screened for the information of patrons of the pictures. In between the results a series of slides, including local skits, will be projected, which will help to pass any waiting time there may be.

In connection with the screening, we wish to express our thanks to the managements of His Majesty’s and Chavannes’ for the facilities they have kindly placed in our way, also our appreciation of the courtesy of the Returning Officer in making the necessary arrangements to enable us to get information as promptly as possible. We would like to again emphasise that we cannot undertake to reply to any telephone inquiries' to-night. Our ’phone will be busy all evening receiving district and Dominion results, and our friends will therefore oblige us by refraining from ringing us up and so interrupting the work of our staff. *

VOTING AT WELLINGTON. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, April 10. Tie weather is fine but cold for the polling. The voting was light in the morning, but became heavy at mid-day. Both sides are active carrying voters to the polling places. RAIN AT CHRISTCHURCH. CHRISTCHURCH, April 10. The weather conditions are very unfavourable for the licensing poll. Rain commenced at 7 o’clock last night and at noon to-day was still falling steadily. Despite the weather, voting is going on steadily, and the morning indications at the various booths suggest a heavy poll.