OAMARU ELECTION.

Hokitika Guardian, 2 May 1923, Page 3

OAMARU ELECTION.

[nv TUI.F.GRAPH — rEK PRESS ASSOCIATION.] IVTN FOR .McHIERSON. OAMARU, May 1. The bye-election for the Oninaru seat took place to-day, and attracted verv keen interest. The result was the* return of Mr Macplierson by a majority of 310 votes, apart from the votes of the absentee electors. Me Macplierson (Liberal) 1352 Mr Leo '.Reform) 4012 Mr Maepherson's majority 340 Absentee votes to come -62 Mr Maepherson’s assured majority TS (The figures for the Oamaru election published just after it, were as lollow:—Macplierson 3940, Loo 3925; majority 21. Later, tho decision, after a Magisterial enquiry, was that Mr Macplierson had a majority of 14 votes. Finally, the Supreme Court, on Mr Lee’s petition, quashed the election and ordered a new one). AFTER TIIE BATTLE. OAMARU, May 1. After the filial figures had been posted, both the candidates addressed a very large crowd who were assembled, watching the results. A good hearing was accorded to the victor and to the vanquished. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr T. M. Wilford, was received with loud cheering. He described the result of the poll as “the re-birth of Liberalism,” which would ring from end to end of the Dominion. He .stressed the point that -Mr Macplierson could have had the assistance of all the speakers he wanted, hut Mr Macplierson had preferred in light the bailie on his own. Their splendid victory showed that the public conscience had been aroused. Despite the propaganda by the Press and the I’rimc Minister, the people had recognised that Mr Maepherson’s cause was right. Mr AVi I - ford referred to the fact that the meaning of Oamaru was “Justice Triumphant.” The result- of the polling had shown that it was an appropriate name. Mr Wilford said that Liberalism stood in the middle of the road, not for class rule, hut for the welfare of all. The Liberal Party desired to promote co-operation between Capital and Labour. This must he accomplished, or, otherwise, the country would stagnate, lie congratulated Mr Macplierson on his great victory, and after saying that Mr Lee had taken his defeat like a sport, Mr Wilford called for dicers for both candidates, which were heartily given.

A rousing demonstration in honour of Mr Macplierson and Mr Wilford followed. The Prime .Minister left by to-day’s express, and went direct to Wellington. MR. MASSEY INTERVIEWED. CHRISTCHURCH. May L Interviewed on the ferry steamer, Mr Massey, after he had just received the final Oamaru figures lmd little to sav. “I wit! sav this,” he reinaikcd, “Tn all my long experience, 1 have never known t; single instance when an election has been, unset where the seat lias been taken from toe man who was declared elected at the general election, and there seems to have been an extraordinary increase in the voting at some places. It is difficult to account for it.”

in reply la a further question, Mr Massey said that lie had nothing to say in regard to the position of the parties. “I he election was fought.” said the Prime Minister lo a Press representative, “on Mr -Maepherson's part, wholly oil the- ground of sympathy, and not on general politics. The .sympathetic i-sue was preached on every platform, ami >■■■■>:: used or every re -

tiblc direction. It also aas quite evident that a large majority (I the nan enrolments voted for the Opposition 0.-ind.iclate. Complaints were Loely made that many persons who voted at the general election in the neighbouring electorate of AYaitaki, and even in Dunedin, were able, after a few weeks’ temporary residence in Ocmnru, to secure enrolment for this by-election. H is clear that the four weeks’ residential qualification is capable of great abuse, and it is evident that this has been taken full advantage of at today's election. From the leturus at present to hand, it appears that Mr Lee has increased Lis support in Oamnru town, as compared noth tire general election, and that the circumstances mentioned have caused the loss of a Minister whose work for the Government and the country was characterised by conspicuous ability and distinction."