THE STATE OF PARTIES

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2339, 22 December 1914, Page 6

THE STATE OF PARTIES

PROCEEDINGS PENDING OPPOSITION MEETING TO-DAY ANOTHER RECOUNT The political situation has not ohanged since yesterday, except that an additional recount has been ordered in Ohinerauri district, where Mr. Clark, the Reform candidate, has made application for one. The declaration of the poll loft him 100 votes behind tho sitting member, Mr. H. Poland, and no doubt because of tho serious mistake discovered in Hawke's Bay, Mr. Clark considers that there is at least a possibility of a similar mistake being discovered in his election. The recount in Wellington East commences this morning, and there are also recounts to bo made in Hawke's Bay and Dunedin Central. It is improbablo, however, that any of these recounts will affect the position. In Hawke's Bay and Dunedin Central, however, in the event of the recounts still leaving tho Opposition candidates in the lead, further proceedings under election petitions _ will be necessary. In Hawke's Bay it will be alleged that certain votes recorded were illegally recorded, and that they should therefore be disallowed. If this petition succeeds, tho election may bo varied if a sufficient number of votes 'for the Opposition candidate are disallowed. In Dunedin Central tho petition will probably allege that people were not allowed to vote who had a legal right to vote. If it can be proved that a sufficient number of electors were denied their legal rights to have affected the result of the election, the Court will probably declare ( tho election void. The Courts hearing these petitions must be comprised of Supreme Court Judges, and it is unlikely that tlve petitions will be heard until late in January. Petitions may be lodged at any time within twentyeight days after tho declaration of the poll. Tho Opposition party, including the Labour-Socialists as well as tho "Liberals," are to meet Sir Joseph Ward in Wellington at his invitation to-day. It is understood that every member of the parties will be present with the exception of Mr. J. W. Munro, who has private reasons, totally unconnected with politics, for being absent. ELLESMERE ELECTION. In the Ellesmere election the votes of the Expeditionary Force were as follow: Government, 33; Opposition, IS; Labour, 5. As the Labour votes went to the Opposition candidate, the Hon. R. H. Rhodes's majority was increased by 13 votes. This makes the final return as follows:— Hon. R. H. Rhodes (R.) 2897 J. C. Free (0.) ■ 2624 Reform majority 273 WELLINGTON EAsT RECOUNT The recount Applied for by Mr. M'Laren in the case of the Wellington East election will commence thi6 morning under the direction of the Clerk of the Court. This recount will he • conducted by the staif appointed by the clerk, and will take place in tho presence of scrutineers representing the interested parties, Mr. Blatherwick (for Mr. M'Laren) and Mr. E. Kellow (for Dr. Newman). The Returning Officer for Wellington East (Mr. P. Cording) will also be present to answer any questions that may be put to him. The result of the recount is not likely to be made known before to-morrow. The deposit of £20 made by the candidate when making his application to the Magistrate, is to cover the cost of tho re-' count. The surplus, if any, is handed back to the candidate.