CANTERBURY CONTESTS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1311, 14 December 1911, Page 6

CANTERBURY CONTESTS.

INTERESTING CONTESTS. THE POSITION SUMMED UP. (By TelenraDh.—SDecial CorrosDondenU Christchurch, December 13. Tho contest in. Christchurch North absorbs public attention almost to the exclusion of tho other second ballots. The result is quits impossible to predict. All that can. be >;aid is that both 'sides aro straining every nerve. Mr. Isitfs meetings are bigger than Mr. Hall's, but that counts for nothing. Mr. Pctherick, on the Sunday before the first "ballot, had one of the biggest open air meetings ever held in Christchurch, but it did not put him into the second ballot. Mr. Hall's committee have done a lot of steady work since last Thursday, and will poll a number of votes who did not go to the poll last week. Mr. James Allen's visit was certainly most useful, even though Mr. Isitt's supporters refused at first to give him a hearing, which did their candidate no good, as he was quick to. realise, for, if report is correct, he came hot-foot to the meeting in response to a summons from a supporter to bespeak a fair hearing for Mr. Allen.-

Mr. Moore has an excellent chance of bsating Mr. Biiddo.

Mr. Ensor will probably find it difficult to pull down Mr. Witty's lead of a thousand votes.

Mr. Nosworthy is reported to be quite safe, though the forces against him are not to be despised. Mr. Moore will probably fail to displace Mr. Craigic in Tiinaru, but further south a combination of Government and Labour votes which has been. attempted is not likely to keep Mr. Frank Smith from beating Mr. Macpherson.

WANGANUI. Wanganui, December 13. The weather promises to bo fine for the second ballot, and a heavy poll is expected. Government supporters have fought a'desperate'battle, but the popular tip is that Mr. Voitcli will win handsomely. .-.',. WAIMARINO. Wanganui, December 13. A great fight is expected for the Waimarino seat, and Mr., Hockly's chances are much landed.'.. HON. J. A. MILLAR. (By Teleeraph r Proi3 Association.) Dunedin, December 13. At a meeting of waterside workers a resolution was carried, expressing confidence in the Hon. J. A. Millar, and r.'edging themselves, to .do-all in their power to secure his return. Dunedin, December 13.At a largo. meeting of Hillside employees and members of the Amalgamated' Sopiety of Railway Servants, held at noon, a resolution was carried, with .ft single dissentient, heartily approving of the attitude taken up by Mr. Mack in regard to the second ballot for Parnell, and unreservedly endorsing the opinions expressed in his open letter .to his late supporters, and earnestly commending his advice to the electors of Dunedin West, who will have an "opportunity of recording their votes in favour of one of the ablest members of the Ministry, and '' a true friend of Labour. Dunedin, December 13; ; At a. special mooting of the Dunedin Labourers'- Union to-night, a motion was carried by 25 votes to 17 repudiating the action of the president ,(Mr.' Perry), in supporting the candidature of. Mr." Bedford for Dunedin West without the authority of the union, and asking him to resign .forthwith. It was decided, by 21 votes to 16. to support the candidature of Mr. Millar. ' * • , INVERCARGIIL. BIG REFORM MEETING. (By Telojrraph.-Preit Association.) Invercargill, December 13.. A big meeting.was held by the Reform party ro-night in support of .Mr. I'lcmingV candidature. Several speakers supported the canso of tho Reform candidate at the second ballot, and a vote of thanks and confidence was carried.