RANGITATA.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1672, 26 September 1887, Page 2

RANGITATA.

Although Aahburton is Bomewhat removed from the scene of etrife In connection with the Rangitata electorate, Bt ill a great deal of interest m the result of the contest is felt here. Vehicles were run from Ashbarton to Winslow, the nearest Rangitata polling place and all the "free and independents" who possess a Bake m the neighboring eleotorata went out to record their votes. A rather untoward Incident befell several gentlemen who thus went nut. They possess the necessary qualification and they b.lieve they had everp reason to understand that they would be able to exeroise their privilege, but when they arrived at the polling place they found that their names were not on the roll. It is bat natural that under these olrcumstanoas great annoyance ehoald be felt and oomplaints made and it is not surprising that some of the gentlemen who have been thus deprived of their votes and have m addition takenfa trip of several mllea a gre.it inoonvlenience to themselves to exercise a privilege of which they have been deprived through, as far as tbey know, no fault of their own, should exercise to the fullest extent the Englishman's privilege of grumbling. One cartoon was exhibited m town to-day, which referred to one of the candidates for this constituency. The gentleman depicted is aa old politician wall known and who has represented a district noar Chrlstohuroh and also a South Canterbury constituency. He is drawn as a " sundowner " arrayed In tbe accepted orthodox costume of that tribe, with muffler, swag and billy — the latter containing, if the inscription on it is to be trusted — the commodity known as " Boft soap." He is lamenting that he is too well known m his old distriots and must try the " softies "m another. We believe the cartoon has done duty on the occasion of a former election, and has been altered a little, so as to meet the altered oircumßtances of this one. The artist has succeeded very well m depleting the features of the original. We have made arrangements by whioh we hope to have the returns for the distriot to hand at the earliest possible mo* ment and these with the results of the Ashburton election as they arrive will be posted outside this offioe.

New Plymouth, September 26. The elections are oausing all business to be suspended, and there is great ex* citement. Wbllinqtok, September 26, The Government having decided not to run election trains m the view of the provisions of the " Corrupt Practices Aot," coaches have been put on to take passengers across the Bimutaka. Wellington electors will thus be able, by taking advantage of the ordinary trains, to record their vote both m the Masterton and Wairarapa constituencies. Blenheim, Sep f ember 26, There is a large crowd of people m the town. No business worth Bpeaking of is doing. Everybody is full of the election, The friends of the three candidates, Dodson, Henderson, aud McArthur, ap. pear equally confident. Betting is freely indulged m, hats being the rule rather than money. Mr Dodson, the late mem*ber, and his committee are very confident he will again head the poll. Nelson, September 26, There ia great excitement over tbe elections, but unfortunately the weather is very wet The Motueka election between Mr Bursthouse, a Government supporter, and Mr Kerr, Oppositionist, creates the keenest interest, and is expected to be very close. Dunbdin, September 26. The weather ia wet and will probably dele; many electors of mature years going to the poll. There is intense excitement, and all business is practically suspended. Olose voting is expected m the City seats. In Dunedia East the roll has been challenged, causing much comment. It wijj bo nine before the result are knowo, '