THE ELECTIONS.

Feilding Star, Volume IX, Issue 42, 27 September 1887, Page 2

THE ELECTIONS.

Yesterday was without exception one of the most exciting days we have seen in Feilding. Being a centre for , three electorates, committeemen and supporters of the several candidates were flying about in all directions, i each one vying the other in a ; manner creditable to their loyalty. Early in the morning Mr Macarthur's ' j Committee met and settled the final details of the battle, but as everything had been ... previously well considered and arranged, very little had to be , done. The polling commenced punctually at 9 o'clock, and the electors rolled up in a manner which showed ' they meant business. The brakes and carriages, supplied by the friends of Messrs Maearthur, Bruce, and Arkwright were freely used, and liberally patronised by electors on their sides. The only complaints made were by the supporters of Mr Wilson, whose committee had made no arrangements whatever to convey the electors to Awahuri. However, that difficulty was overcome in several instances by the Feilding men. . The drivers of Mr Daw's brakes were gloriously decorated after the manner of Buffalo Bill and Cetewayo— very pretty to see. Golding's famous donkey appeared early on the scene accompanied by two attendants on foot, one of whom carried a bunch of carrots suspended to a urand labelled " Protection," in front of the intelligent animal, which was a fitting representative of "those whom it may concern." A crowd of youths followed in train, loudly testifying their delight at the novelty of the " procession." At intervals /during the afternoon telegrams and messages were sent in from the different polling booths andby five o'clock it was moderately certain that Mr Maearthur was ahead for Manawatu. When six o'clock arrived a movement was made in the direction of home by a goodly number, but in an hour the streets were filled again by expectant groups who were eagerly discussing the probabilities, or listening to the dulcet strains of the Feilding and Makino Bands, one of which played at the corner of of Manchester street and the. other in Kiuabolton road. " Anxious crowds surrounding" the telegraph offices, betrayed/ the keen interest entertained for news from other parts of the colony. Their patience was tried, to the utmost limits for the delay seemed to be interminable. Although we had made arrangements with the Press Association to forward us returns with promptness, yet no message arrived until about 11 o'clock, and a second about an hour , afterwards. The only communications received were by private wires which were read out by the recipients for the benefit of the public. The news of Mr Macarthur's majority was received with cheers, by those present for which the successful candidate briefly thanked them. The delight displayed by the friends of Mr Bruce when they heard he had headed the poll by a magnificent majority, proved how deeply seated was. their feelings of affection and regard towards him. Mr Wilson's win was also popular, Sir Robert Stout's defeat and Mr Ormond's victory were evidently popular events. The same may be said of the victory of Sir Julius Yogel. Strange to say the return of Mr Ballance, although looked upon as a certainly, was hot very welcome. The greatest anxiety was displayed as to the fate of Mr Bryce, who is vastly liked in these parts by a great number of people. A great amount of good humored chaff made the time fly a little quicker as the "wee ema' hours ayont the twal" were reached, the supporters of the unsuccessful men being the butts and objects of all sorts of fun and ridicule which was, we were glad to see, taken all in good part. The only bad temper was exhibited at the Press Association which was so unaccountably dilatory in forwarding news. The local telegraphist— Mr Halliday and his assistant Mr Mcßurney — were occupied for a considerable time during the evening in forwarding and receiving messages from all parts of the district. Their courtesy and attention were well appreciated on all sides, especially as they had to be at their posts for nineteen hours without a spell except for their meals. When it became hopeless to wait any longer an adjournment was made to more comfortable quarters where many loyal toasts were drunk, many good speeches made, and many good songs sung until tired nature exerted her sway and conquerors and the "conquered dispersed to seek well earned repose. ___^___