The Rangitikei Election

Feilding Star, Volume XIV, Issue 9, 9 July 1892, Page 2

The Rangitikei Election

The battle has been lost and won. We can safely say that both sides fought well and neither can boast of an easy victory nor a crushing defeat. The polling yesterday was conducted on the whole in ft quiet and orderly manner. After the polling booth in Feilding was closed the '• weary watchers " at the Post Office who were, with commendable patience, waiting for the returns to couie in from other parts of the electorate, indulged in some innocent fun and practical joking which was a)l given and taken with perfect good humour. Quite a large quantity of flour was impartially distributed, imparting to the recipients a pale and ghastly look which was very interesting. The occasional cheering heard was when a telegram was read out, giving results as they came in from the chief polling booth, Marton. From the first it was apparent that Mr Bruce had the lead which he maintained until the end. The Apiti Returning Officer's report was received here shortly after mid-night and as the result was no longer doubtful cheers were loud and long. It was quite evident that the losers were content. They had done their level best. The "following are the several totals polled : —

Bruce Stevens Marton 229 291 Feilding 208 162 Bulls 117 151 Porewa 33 17 Halcombe 101 67 Makino 32 13 Peraberton 86 15 Apiti 29 14 Colyton 43 42 Birmingham 50 70 Cheltenham 28 36 Ashurst 75 56 Pohangina 25 14 Pakihikura ... ... 9 13 Harbor Board Block ... 20 6 Mucfby Junction ... 22 23 Waitmia 36 43 Awahou 1 0 Majority for Bruce, 61.