LICENSING POLL,

Hokitika Guardian, 15 April 1919, Page 1

LICENSING POLL,

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.—COPYRIGHT../ PRESENT POSITION. WELLINGTON, April 14. A slight alteration has been made in tlie Westland return, and this leaves the total civilian vote as follows: Continuance 226,409 Prohibition 238,748

Majority for Pro 12,339 With returns, received on Saturday from England, giving 11,920 of a Continuance majority, out of a soldier vote of 0,1830, the aggregate figures stood as follows: Continuance 243,272 Prohibition ~..i 243,700 Majority for Pro 428 It is estimated that there are about 1000 votes still to come from the United Kingdom and France. Then there are over 12,000 troops at sea, as well as troops in Egypt and Samoa. ' Some 10,000 votes cast by undis charged soldiers in New Zealand have also to be reckoned with. VOTING IN ENGLAND. LONDON, April 12. A certain, but insignificant number of New Zealand soldiers failed to poll in the licensing referendum. There was a certain amount of propaganda work, including a number of motor cars running between the London Headquarters and depots. They carried banners inscribed: “New Zealand soldiers, vote to-day for Liberty!” The Prohibitonists were also busy, seeking out adherents. Considerable resentment is shown by the soldiers at the vote being take in New Zealand while the soldiers are absent. Sir T. Maclyenzic made arrangements to ensure that every man in the hospitals and camps should have an opportunity to vote.

LEAD REDUCED TO 419. WELLINGTON April, 14. In regard to the present state of the Referendum figures, there has been no alteration in the soldiers’ vote so far announced, so the greatest majority for Prohibition is 419.