The Second Ballot

New Zealand Tablet, 26 November 1908, Page 17

The Second Ballot

On Tuesday the second ballot was held in twenty-two constituencies, where thex candidates who topped the poll at the general election did not secure the requisite majority. Tuesday's contests were productive of some surprises. Such well-known Government supporters as Messrs. E. G. Allen (CJhalmers)," W. H. P. Barber (Wellington South), W. W. Vanner (Avon), and F. *R. Flatman (Ashburton) were defeated. Mr. A. R. Barclay was defeated by two votes in Dunedin North, but as there are four seamen's votes to come the final, result will .not be known for a few days. Out of a House of 76 members*- exclusive of Maori representatives, the Government is" credited with 45 supporters, the Opposition with 25, and Independent and Labor with 5. The ballot in the Bay of Plenty takes places next week. As it is, the Government has a majority of 15 over all parties.