PARNELL ELECTION.

Auckland Star, Volume IV, Issue 1202, 29 November 1873, Page 3

PARNELL ELECTION.

THE POLL TO-DAY,

The election of two members to serve in the Provincial Council for the electoral district of Parnell took place to-day. This district, although not very extensive in acreage, when compared "with many others contains the largest population, except the city constituencies, the Thames and Newton. The last census returns gave the population, 35G3; area,'sß3; electors on the roll, 512. The candidatesSto-day were three in number—Mr Reader Wood, Mr Tonks, and Mr Caleb Wood. The first two were the farouritea from the start, but under the ballot system there is always considerable uncertainity, especially in the case of three candidates for two seats. It was felt that there was a possibility, in the event of the f riends;of Mr Tonks and the aristocratic Wood being negligent, that those of the butcher Wood might prove the victors over one of the other two candidates. The attempt to induce Mr Hesketh to stand for one of the seats having proved abortive, and the like having happened in the case of Mr Kissling, it was supposed that Messrs Reader Wood and Tonks would have had a walk over; but the day before nomination a requisition to Mr Caleb Wood upset previous calculations. The friends of all the candidates were most active, and cabs were rattling up and down the hills to and from town at frequent intervals throughout the day. A. good many plumpers were given we believe, for "Caleb" by his friends, and several who would not vote for him or for Mr Reader Wood believing him to be a decided opponent of the present Superintendent gave a plumper for Mr Tonks. The remarks as to the orderly and quiet manner in which the election was conducted at City East and West, and almost throughout the whole of the elections which have preceded them may be repeated as to Paruell. Whatever may be tlie opinions entertained of the merits of the ballot as opposed to open voting— one thing is certain —secret voting is most conducive to orderly elections. The small number of informal papers tended by voters shows that they understand the details and know how to exercise the privilege conforred in aitfntelligonfc manner. A low sweepstakes were got up and beta made as usual

for small sums, Messrs Header Wood and Tonka being the favorites, )mfc Caleb not without backers. The result which, bad been somewhat anxiously looked forward to, was finally announced as follows :— (J.'Kii Pitjkon Express.) v- ■■■■••;■■■ Tonks ... ... ... ... 226 miSS R. Wood ][ 2-2-ilT^ C. "Wood ... ~, I'2'>l® ma