GENERAL ELECTIONS

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2357, 25 November 1908, Page 5

GENERAL ELECTIONS

SECOND BALLOTS.

MORE OPPOSITION VICTORIES

The second ballots in twenty-two electorates took place yesterday, and the results are more favorable to the Opposition than its supporter's had hoped. Seven of the seats, those for Wa item at a, Egniont, Palmerston, Manawatu, Wellington North, Ashburton, and Tuapoka, have been gained by followers of Mr. Massey. In one district, Dunedin North, the Opposition candidate lias a lead of two votes, but as four seamen’s votes are to come in, this result may be altered. One seat, Wellington South, has been captured by an Independent candidate with Opposition leanings, and one, Wellington Central, by an Independent. The remaining 12, Gisbov’no, Hawke’s Bay, Paliiatua, Oliineimui, Wanganui, Wellington Suburbs, Nelson, Hurunui, Avon, Geraldine, Timaru, and Chalmers, have been retained by the Government, though in some instances new men have been elected to fill them. On tlie present returns the total strength of parties is—Government 47, Opposition 24, Independent 5. One seat, that for the Bay of Plenty, has still to be filled.

THE GISBORNE SEAT.

MR. CARROLL RETURNED

MR. DARTON POLLS WELL

Though heavy rain fell during the day, the polling was exceptionally heavy at all the booths. Over 1490 votes were recorded at His Majesty’s Theatre, and the officials at the other town and suburban booths were kept busy. The committees lor both candidates worked hard to bring the electors to tho poll, and motors, cabs, Ijojreios, and vehicles of all descriptions were called into use, the committees paying special attention to bringing ladies to the booths. .1 lie day passed off quietly, and the utmost good fellowship existed, not only between the two candidates tlic?mselvcs, but between the opposing committees and supporters. There was nothing in the nature of a rush to the pou just prior to its closing, and at (5 o’clock the polling booths* presented an almost deserted appearance. IHe returns were prompt in coming to hand, that -from the booth at laliuuga being received in the Limes Office at four minutes past six. Sufficient returns had been icceived by lialf-past seven to indicate that the Hon. James Carroll had polled a substantial majority over Mr. G. E. Draton, and by eight o clock the returns were almost complete. The following are the returns of tl’-e

Informal votes —30

Majority for the Hon. James Car roll —730.

Up to the time of going to press the returns from Waikare and Oliuka had not been received, but the voting at those booths cannot effect the result.

CANDIDATES’ (SPEECHES. ■Shortly after 8 o’clock the Hon. James Carroll, with Messrs Darton and Clayton, appeared on the balcony of the “Herald” office. Addressing the crowd, the Hon. James Carroll said he desired to thank the electors of Gisborne for the confidence they had shown in him in again returning him to Parliament. While'hc did not obtain an obsoluto majority at the first ballot, ho was always ready to receive the dictum of the people, and to conform not only to the wishes of the people, but also to their aspirations- Politics must always be changeable, and it was good that there should be election contests, so that the candidates were able tp feci the pulse of the politics of the time. He had no feeling in. fighting the present contest. Both Mr. Darton and Mr. Clayton had fought cleanly and fairly, a lid they .now* stood beside luiu on the platform to offer him their congratu.l at ions. Both candidates had louglrt in the interests of the nation and of the people, and by the returns already to hand it could be seen the strength of tlio Opposition party had been increased. It was well that there should be a strong Opposition in the House so long as that Opposition kept pace with the progress of the country. He would thank the electors, both of the town and country, for the way they had stood by him, and kept-his support well in th© balance. Ho would pay a. compliment to'Mr. Darton for tlio way lie had fought, 'and for the way his committee and his supporters had rallied to him. He would advise him not to be dismayed at the result, for if the result taught nothing else it taught an object lesson to the Government, and told 'Government can- - dictates not to be too apathetic in the affairs -of the country, (A. yoico: You

om take a lesson.) Mr. Carroll said that the contest would spur him on to increased activity in.the interests of the electors, and tlie people of the Dominion. He again thanked the electors for their support, and asked them to give three cheers for Mr. Darton. ,

Three cheers were then lustily given, and! the crowd also cheered Mr. Carroll.

Mr. Darton on stepping, forward wa s loudly applauded. Me said he wished to"tha.uk the electors for supporting 3iim, and 1 Mr. Carroll for the nice things ihe liar said of an opponent. He was proud of lys position at the poll, and hoped the result of the polling would do great good, and that Mr. Carroll would learn a lesson to watch more closely the interests of the district. He (Mr. Darton) had had an 'uphill fight, the hardest fight of any candidate in the Dominion, and ho was opposing a Minister of the Crou'n without any support from the press, hut with the support of a loyal committee and the electors. He was not dismayed, hut ho would watch the politics of the next three years closely, and if after that time lie was oiled upon to contest the seat he would be found ready. Mr. Darton then called for three cheers for Mr. Carroll. They were heartily given, and the candidates withdrew. During tho conduct of the elections the Returning Officer (Mr H. 10. Hill) and his deputies have discharged their duties with the utmost courtesy and patience. They were most obliging to the .representatives of tho press, and greatly assisted them in obtaining returns of the polling from tho various booths. OTHER ~ELESTORAT£S. THE IiESIiI.TS. The following .are the results of the polling in other electorates, compared with the results of the first ballot in those districts. (G) signifies a Government supporter, (O) an Oppositionist, (I) an Independent candidate, ■and (L) a Dabor candidate. AY A IT EM AT A. L. E. Phillies (O) [2917 at first ballol'l * 2831 AY. 3. Napier (G) [2O-32 at first ballot] ‘ 20:30 A few small returns to come, which cannot ‘affect result. At the first ballot 9G2 votes were recorded for two other candidates, H. AVilding (G) GG9, and T. At ake (l) t 293, making the total valid votes 5931, or 1070 more than at the second ballot. 4561. HAWKE’S 13 AY. *A. Dillon (G) [lslß .at first ballot] 3230 tSir AY. R. Russell (O.) [1659 at ■first ballot] ... ... 2453 Two small returns to come. At the first ballot 2G21 votes were recorded for four other candidates: IT. I. Simson (G) 1072, A. IC. dull (G) 716, G. S. Clnpham (G) 653, and T. 3. Thomson (G) 150, making the total of valid votes 5798. or 115 more than at the second ballot, 5083. PAHIATUA. *R. B. Ross (G) [1839 at first ■ballot | ... --- ••• 2031 J. C. Cooijer (Oi [1239 at first ballot] ... ... ... 17G1 At the first ballot 1129 votes were recorded for one other candidate, AY. IT. Hawkins (1). making the total of valid votes 4207, or 415 more than that at the second ballot. 3792. ■ICGMONT. .13. Dive (0) [lOlB at first ballot] 2112 G. P. AYake (G) [I3SS at first ballot] ... ... 2 1 At tho first ballot 1692 votes wee recorded for two other candidates. C. A. AVilkinson (O) 1013 and D.' A. Astbury (G) 079. making the total of valid votes 4695, or 121-ejaorc than at the second ballot, -1574. OITIXEM UR I. *H. Poland (G) [2125 at first ballot] ... ' 2801 F. H. Haselden (O) |J2IS at lirst ballot] ... - ... 2188 Two returns to- come. At tho first ballot 1.245 votes were recorded for three other candidates: R. F. AVay (.S) 709, 3. Foster '(G) 269, and >H. T. Armstrong (Lab) 267, making the total of valid votes 4588. or 461 less than at the second ballot. 5049. AVANGANUI. *J. T. Hogan (G) [3014 at first ballot] 3599 G. Hutchison (0) [IBSO at first ballot] ... ... 28G0 At the first ballot 1691 votes were recorded for one other candidate. G. Mackay (1), making the total of valid votes 6655, o t - 106 more than that at the second ballot. 654.9. PALMERSTON. D. Buick (0) [2675 at first ballot] ... ... ... 2811 *AY. T. AYood (G) [2626 at first ballot] : 2718 At the first ballot 123 votes were recorded for one other candidate, AY. Milverton (I), making the total valid votes 5424, or 105 less than that at the second ballot, 5529. M AN AAV AT U.

E. Newman (O) [2IOO at first ballot] ... !*.*•• ••• 2635 *J. Stevens .(G) 11793 at first ballot] 2054 At the first ballot 5G3 votes wero recorded for two other candidates, F. W. Frank!and (0) 322, and: O. Gardner (I) 241, making the total of valid votes 4457, or 232 Jess than that at the second ballot, 4455. "WELLINGTON SUBURBS. J. P. Luke (G) 72182 at first

ballot] 3SS4 J. E. Fitzgerald (G) f 1902 at first ballot] ... ... 2736 At the first ballot 2676 votes were recorded for four other candidates: R, B. Williams 40) 3375, F. T. Moore (I) 646, W. T. Young (Lab) GO7, and T. W. Braithwaite (G) 48, making the total number of valid votes 6760. or 140 more than that at the second ballot, 6620. WELLINGTON NORTH.

+A. L. Hefdman (0) [3363 ■at first ballot[ ... ••• 3695 F. G. Bolton (G) [2354 at first ballot] 2898 At the first ballot 2481 votes were recorded for two other candidates: C. H. Izard (G) 2324, and H. Bodlev (I) 357, making the total number of valid votes 8398, or 1605 more than that at the second ballot, 6593.

WELLINGTON SOUT H. R. A. Wright (I) [2340 .at the first ballot] ... ... 3458 *W. H. P. Barber (G) [2588 at the first ballot] ... ~ ... 2592 At the first ballot 1476 votes were recorded for five other candidates: C. 11. Chapman (L) 688, W. Forbes (I) 451, R. Hogg (I) 236, J. L. Murrell TI) 89, and J. Johnston (G) 12, making the total number of valid

votes 6404, or 54 more than that at tho second ballot, 6350. WELLINGTON EAST.

D. McLaren (Lab) [1741 at the .first ballot] ... |. 34-K +A. R. Atkinson (I) [2400 at the first ballot] ... ... 3019 At the first ballot 2371 votes were recorded for two other candidates: \V. McLean (G) 1.300, and G. Winder (I) 1071, making the total number of valid votes recorded 6512, or 47 more than that of the second ballot, 6465. NELSON. *3. Graham (G) [2909 at the first ballot] . ... ... 2881 H. Atmore (G) [2713 at the first ballot] • .... 2846 Four returns to come. At the first ballot 317 votes were recorded for o-ne other candidate, \V. J. Moffatt (I), making the total number of valid votes 5939, or 21.2 more than that at the second ballot, 5727.

HURUNUI. G. Forbes (G) [2049 at the first ballot] 2294 O. Clothier (0) [1399 at the first ballot] 1039

Five returns to come. At the first ballot 818 votes were recorded for two other candidates : G. D. Greenwoods (I) 528, and G. T. Pulley (G) 290, making the total number of validc votes 4266, or 333 more than that at the second ballot. 3933. A\ r ON. IG. T. Russell (G) [2IBO at the first ballot] ... ... 3416 * \V. AY. Tanner (G) [2102 at the first ballot] ... ... 2870 At the first ballot 2220 votes were recorded for three other candidates: 3. Jamieson (O) 1322, D. G. Sullivan (L) 679, AV. R. Smith (G) 219, making tho total number of valid votes 6568, or 282 more than that at the second ballot, 6286. ASHBURTON. A'7. Nosworthy (O) [2336 at ihe first ballot] ... ... 3014 *F. R. FJatman (G) [2293 at first ballot] 2267 At the first ballot 1975 votes were recorded for three ether candidates: D. Jones (O) 1302, .J. D. Gobbe (L) 397, and AY. S. Maslin (0) 276, making the total number of valid votes 6604, or 1323 more than that of these com! ballot, 5281. TIAIARU. J. Cr-iigie fG) [2573 at the first ballot] " 3131 AY. D. Campbell (0) [2457 at the first ballot] ... ... 2955 At tlie first ballot 2938 votes were recorded for two other candidates: G. Kollor (L) 1275, and J. Maliony (I) 1123, making the total number of valid votes 7428, or 1312 more than that at the second ballot. 6116. GERALDINE.' T. Buxton (G) [1903 at the first ballot] 2348 AY. Jeffries (O) [1964 at the first ballot] ••• 2254 At the first ballot 963 votes were polled l for one other candidate, AY. H. AYilliams (G), making the total number of valid vptes 4830. or 233 more than that at the second ballot, 4597. CHALMERS. E. H. Clark (G) [2463 at the first ballot] ... ... 2529 *E. G. Allen (G) [2556 at the first ballot] ... ... 2391 At the first ballot 102 votes were recorded for one other candid tie. AY. Barr (I), baking the total number of valid votes 5121, or 101 more than that at the second ballot. 5020. DUNEDIN NORTH. CL AT. Thomson (O) [3066 at the first ballot] ... ... 3388 *A. R. Barclay (C) [3384 at the first ballot] ... ... 3381 Pour seamen’s votes to come. At the first ballot 532 votes were recorded for one other candidate, I. Green (G), making the total number of valid votes 6982, or 21S more than that of the second ballot. 6764. TUAREKA. R. Scott (0) [1441 at the first ballot] ... ... ... 217/ *3. A. Alacnhersou (G) [1544 at the first b illot] ... ... 1744 At the first ballot 1298 votes wore cast for one other candidate. Dr. AY. A. Chappie (G), making the total number of valid votes 4283. or 62 .more tlia.n at the second ballot. 4221. EXCITEMENT IN WELLINGTON.

SPEECH BY THE PREAHER

ADDRESS BY

AIR. AIcXAB

[Pitess Association.]

WELLINGTON. Nov. 21

• Great? crowds assembled in the streets to-night to ascertain the results of the second ballots. The various candidates addressed the people from the ‘‘Times’'' balcony, and at 10 o’clock Sir Joseph Ward spoke to the assembled multitude. He said the position of the Liberal party throughout the Dominion was one they had a right to he proud of. The Government had a majority of at least 24. (Cheers.) He called attention to the fact that it- was not so long since the Liberal party in Parliament carried through its work upon a majority of eight. The Government bad' gone through the present election under extraordinary difficulties, and their opponents were still in a .hopeless minority. There were fluctuations in the political, life of all countries, but, in all the circumstances, the result of this election was a splendid victory. Their opponents had done -all in their power to create the impression that New Zealand was in a precarious position. He referred to tho drop in prices of wool, flax, etc., .and to the fact that financial institutions bad. been pulling in. Their opponents bad made the most of these difficulties. Their opponents had appealed for support for the Opposition on the score that the Government majority was too great. That argument had been used for all it was worth, yet the Government came hack with >a solid majority of 24 members, and l the Opposition would have considerable difficulty in shaking them. (Cheers.) The Prime Minister said that at the hist election there were exceptional circumstances to account for the Government’s big majority. Conditions were prosperous and: there wa s a powerful man at the head of the administration. In the dairying portions of the country opponents of the Government had made every possible effort to malign the Government and make dairy farmers believe the Government were their enemies, whereas they wore the farmers’ friends all through. (Applause.) In such a. battle it was not to be expected they would not lose some men, but he expressed regret that some had gone under in the fight. Throughout the election no member of the Government had attempted anything unfair —(applause)—or said ft single

word about an opponent. He welcomed Ml*. McLaren as Tepresentative of AVcllington East, and said that the people realised what a combination of Liberals, and the Labor party could do by standing shoulder to shoulder. Sir Joseph declared there had been unfair methods used against men standing in the Government interest, and that he could prove his words. There had been a campaign of calumny, and in the face of this the Government had won a great victory. He thanked the people of the Dominion for the achievement. He expressed sympathy for those who had fallen while doing their duty in the Liberal cause. The battle bad been “fought and won, and victory was on :he side of the Government. Now the fight was over, they could put their arms aside and meet their fellow-

men under conditions conducive _ to tho happiness of all. In conclusion, Sir Joseph AYard said the Government would continue its policy of progress and development in the interests of all. ’there would be no discriminator) of the classes against-the masses. Duty would be done, and the Government could do no more than that(Prolonged applause.) le response to repeated and persistent calls, the Hon. It. McNab came forward. He was popularly received, and said be stood before them in the miration of the only Minister who had been defeated at the poll, and he wanted to say. in connection "with the contest which had sent him back to private life, that he had not one smelt* complaint "to make against the political partv or political opponent re.soonsible for the position he now occupied. The successful candidate ror Mataura had fought an honorable fight and won an honorable victory. (Cheers ) He wanted to give that testimony to liis opponent, and prophesied that if bis career m political iito was as honorable as liis career as a* private nan and a man of business, be would be a man of influence in. politics. He thanked the people oT AY- 11 incton for the many kindnesses diown to him during his 13} years m Parliament, and lie ventured to say that in all that time he had urn made an oneniv in Wellington, and. that- he left behind him none but friends m the House. (Cheers.) government defeats. OPPOSITION JUBILATIONS.

[Special to “Times.”]

WELLINGTON, Xoy. 24. The excitement in connection witn the second ballot here was maintained to the lart. In the Wellington North md Wellington South electorates it hlt f'U fi? S° re b“4?t roii £ SYoAL 1 One of thetirst retnrns ITcoive through was the Ashbuwon one? which showed the were received wfeerf Then t l crowd? in front of the newspaper bent then* attention on the r-pv A-cturns. The figures for eaca booth of Wellington North were re-ceP-e.! with loud and continued clieerand when the final return was posted showing that Mr. Herdum h K I won bv a large majority t.iere was a erreat demonstration of appro"V s The defeat of Air. Barber, the Loro, -Sent cmlM.te for WcU.nsrton Bout’u. was. received with almost as loud a volume of cheering. *as tv each Opposition victory posted. Ihe Government, victories, on the other hand, were received with si.euce. Of the various candidates who addressed tlie people from the New Zeaiun - Times” balcony, Mr. Herdman wa< undoubtedly tlio hero of tnc bo-.r Sir Joseph AYard, who spoke later, had a- somewhat mixed reception in which a. good deal ot hooting mingled with the cheers, especially when he spoke of unfair tactics, md **a campaign of calumny. - -Mr. AlcNab, who made a generous speech, was, on the other band. well Received. and the crowd cheered him heartily. Air. Hall-Jones also met* with a* good reception.

THE FIGHT AT PALMERSTON.

DECISIVE OPPOSITION AMCTORY. SPEECH BY AIR. AIASSEY.

[Special to "Times.”]

PALMERSTON N., Nov. 24. The contest at Palmerston seat evoked the keenest interest, as this was considered one oi the greatest lights in the Dominion between the Government and the Opposition. During the election two speeches vero delivered here by the Leader of the Opposition and one by the 1 rmio Minister, this town being selected by Sir Joseph Ward for an import ant. policy speech on the eve of tho election. A. speech was also delivered ,by the Opposition organiser, in which the planks of the Opposition policy were explained to a crowded eudience. ihe Government party suited that, this was a straight-out fight between the Opposition and the Government, and left no stone unturned to secure viotorv for their side, every available vote being taken to the poll. Prior to Mr. Wood's election years ago the coustituencv was strongly Opposition, and the electors have once more reverted to that side in thus showing that “spoils to the victor's lias lost- power in this electorate. Mr. Massey arrived at Palmerston this afternoon, and received a great ovation, showing his groat- popularity and ihe many personal friends he has made in this electorate. When all. Buick’s return was announced the result was received with tremendous cheering. Thousands of people assembled in front of the “Standard office, and loud cries were heard for a speech from Mr. Massey. In appropriate, wcll-clioseu remarks. Mr. Massey thanked the electors for the hearty support accorded to the Opposition candidate. He took it as a great triumph, and an honor not only to the candidate him-, self but also to the Opposition. (Cheers.) Mr. Wood, as a Britisher, would take Ills heating like a man, lie. was certain, hut it would be a credit not only to himself, but with benefit to his constituents. Air. Massey said lie had seen many keen, elections, hub never one fought with such keen interest at this one. Ho hoped the supporters of each candidate would shake hands to-morrow and work together for the good of the town. (Cheers.) Judging by tho feeling expressed locally, the electorate is much gratified at tlio Opposition securing tin? seat.

voting at the various 1 >oo1 :-hs : -— Carroll JDarton His Majesty's Theatre SGG 5 57 Masonic Hall 1SS 176 V’hinray's Hall Ivaiti School 29G 64 421 51 Garrison Hall 210 31 7 134 90 Mangapapa To H i par a 84 .112 Matawhero 111 91 Patutahi 99 91 Waoronga-a-hika 120 71 M a kauri GO 52 Tahora 6 9 Tah ung i13 1 A\"a e r on ga-o-k u r i 2S 1G To Arolia 10 3 Hangaroa Lower Hangaroa 12 7 1 0 Tiniroto 01 13 Upper Ruakituri 21 0 Marumaru Frasertown 15 57 14 28 To Az-ai 92 37 Waiiigake 21 16 Paparatu 11 12 Maraetaha 27 AVliarerata 12 3 Tarawa Nzzhaka 13 42 1G 5 22 Opoutama 9 Wairoa (Courthouse) 264 119 Clyde (\Vairoa), School 35 55 Kokako 6 2 Wahanui 6 2 Mohaka 26 16 Tangoio 23 0 Pohzzi 28 1 Tarawera 15 0 1128|) OllvO 11 0 Ruakitziri (Pentv s shed) 21 2 Mangaone Valley 14 10 2 Tuhara 0 More-re 33 22 3201 2471