THE POLL TO-DAY.

Auckland Star, Volume IV, Issue 1204, 2 December 1873, Page 3

THE POLL TO-DAY.

More than the usual amount\of interest was excited by the contest at Newton- to-day. There were four candidates for tho two seats, and it was considered at T first probable that the running would be close. Avery r strong feeling existed that Mr Macready absence from the Council would be a substantial loss to the public, and his friends were most active to,'; .secure his return. Having been defeated for the great City West Handicap by a length only, it was determined to runhim for the consolation stakes at Newton, and to take all possible precautions against his losing this race by any mischance. The backers of the old favourite, and winner of the political cup (Mr Shanaghan) were also not behind hand in their endeavours to obtain a place for him. Nor were the new horses without friends and admirers. Mr Cheeseman had a long and creditable political history to refer back to as a guarantee for the future, and Mr McElwain, though new to politics, has created a favourable impression amongst a considerable body of the electors. That the election to-day was one of a more interesting character than usual was obvious from the start. It was moreover the last time at which any one" desirous of getting a seat this session would obtain one in the ordinary course of events. Although there are one or two up country elections yet to come off. the nominations have all taken place. All day cabs were busily at work conveying voters to and from the town, and although we believe no enterprising canvasser fetched lunatics from the Asylum, or prisoners from the Stockade (as was said to have been done in the interest of the admirable - Creighton .on a former occasion), yeb every ordinary means that here should be left unpolled were taken. The weather was far more propitious tban on the preceding day of nomination—indeed a finer day for a drive out to Newton could not be imagined, and many doubtless were glad to leave their offices and stores for an hour's "spell." In town one or two vigilant agents confined their operations to parading the pavement in . and about Queen-street, and seizing upon all ■voters whom they met, and dispatching them off in cabs to the Newfcon Academy the Pupils of which establishment did get a holiday to-day, which was more than they did yesterday dispite of nomination and St Andrew's day. The Newton election today, therefore, will be associated with Peasant reminiscences in some youthful minds «C_;4r would not object if such came off more ■ "■•aquently than once in four years, which is • all Shat can be calculated upon for certain, taoiigV chance may bestow an extra day occasionally. The electoral district of Newton contains, j according to the last returns, a population of 3,957, area, 1,085 acres, number of

registered electors, 1,239. It is therefore cue ia.-geat constituency in the province, exeoptang tho Thames and Auckland City West. '