A Costly Election.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLIII, Issue 26, 29 December 1909, Page 9

A Costly Election.

Commenting on the influence of th? Ducal houses in old time elections, a writer in an English paper says that on one occasion, after profuse expenditure of money, an election had to be decided by the toss of a coin. This was the famous Spendthrift Election at Northampton in 1768, when though three stood as candidates the real struggle lay be tween their nominators, the Earls of Halifax, Northampton, and Spencer. One feature of the mad rivalry to win the election was that the nobleman threw open their mansions at Horton, Castle Ashby, and Althorpc to the public, who for weeks thronged to the sumptuous banquets offered for their vote and favour. Lord Halifax’s old port was exhausted, and this cost him the election, for the mob, despising claret, went over to the enemy. Ultimately the fourteen days’ poll showed an even vote, and after a long scrutiny and trial the Earls agreed to toss for the seat. Earl Spencer won, but the victory had cost him £lOO,OOO, and each of his opponents £150,000.