The General Elections.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 December 1922, Page 4

The General Elections.

THE WESTLAND POLLING. Polling Day yesterday took place in fair weather there being light rain at intervals. , There was considerable internet shown throughout the electorate which increased as the day wore on. The night turned out wet and miserable, hut in spite of this a large concourse gathered in front of the “Guardian” Office to await the returns. Owing to the Westland poll not closing till 7 o’clock the returns were later than usual in coming to hand, while the outside returns were also late in coming to hand and the results were pot complete when “lights-out” was given about two o’clock this morning. • The polling for the Westland seat and licensing issues was heavy reaching 7689, with a number of absent and declaration votes ns well as electoral rights still to count. The total will thus be in the region of 7,900 when the final figures are available—which is a record for the constituency. The licensed victuallers party were active in town throughout the day, and a number of motor cars were plying continuously. Moters were used also about the country districts and were no doubt a. factor in reaching the large vote recorded. The licensing figures show' an increase on those of last year, but the ratio of polling was relatively about the same as three years ago. The Westland fignres last poll were: Continuance r‘. 3901 State Control 490 Prohibition 2468 6859

Reform Suffers a Reverse. Labor Makes Gain. Liberals Deciding Factor For the Future. Heavy Polling Generally.

During yesterday all the candidates visited Hokitika, Messrs Steer and O’Brien in the forenoon, and Messrs ■Lynch and Seddon in the late afternoon. Party feeling among thd supporters of tile candidates was quite normal and the polling proceeded very quietly throughout the day. The voting wag very steady throughout the day and in Hokitika very few votes were recorded after 6 o’clock. About 9.20 o’clock when the position seemed beyond all doubt, Mr Seddon before returning to Grcyinouth, spoke briefly from the Guardian steps to the large concourse of people, and congratulated Mr O’Brien on bis success. He also desired to thank bis supporters for their paction! help. Ho could assure the people of Westland, if be was not their member, they could at least remember be was here living amongst them and they would always find a friend in him. (Cheers). ' Later, Mr N. Warren on behalf of the Labor party, and in the interests of Mr O'Brien said the result was far above their expectations. He apologised for Mr O’Brien’s absence, who was in Greymouth and would take an early opportunity of visiting Hokitika and thanking them in person. Meantime. it was a great pleasure to thank them by proxy and to assure them how much the Libor people appreciated the victory. Mr O'Brien would be very proud of the success and it was altogether a very gratifying result for the Labor party. (C'hccrs.l