THE RAGLAN ELECTION

Hokitika Guardian, 30 September 1927, Page 3

THE RAGLAN ELECTION

LABOUR WINS. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) NGARUAWAHIA, Sept. 29. There was unusual interest taken the Raglan by-election to-day. Crowds of people awaited the resul of the voting to-night. The results was as follows: AV. Lee Alartin (Labour) 2193 A. H. Waring (Reform) 2010 T. Parker (Liberal) 1096 C. A. Magner (Country Party) 528 AA'. J. Taylor (Ind. Reform) ... 198 There is only one small return to come, of not more than 18 votes. Mr AV. Lee Alartin thus was returned.

There are about 100 absentee votes to come. The official count begins on Monday. The candidates addressed the crowd.

Ah- Parker announced his intention of contesting the seat at next election in the Liberal interests again. PREVIOUS ELECTION. At the 1925 election the voting was:— Hon. R. F. Bollard (Reform) ... 4470 Afr Piggott (Labour) 1614 Air S. 0. G. Lye (Liberal) ... 965 ATr R. Dnxfiehl (Ind.) 222 Informal 56 Total votes 7327 THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE. Air AA'. Lee Alartin, ALP., was at one i time a resident of Greymouth, where lie carried on the trade of a carpen-| ter, being an employee of the firm of Messrs Bignell and Russell, and later ho was in business as a picture dealer at Wanganui. His wife is a Greymouth native, having been Miss Minnie Warnes, sister of Air E. AVarnes, of the firm of Nancnrrow and Co. Ah - Martin is a brother of tho Rev. Mr Arariin, Alethodist Alinistor, who until recently was stationed at Greymouth.

AHI COATES’S COMMENTS. WELLINGTON, Sept. 29. The Prime Minister made the following statement this evening: “ The result of tlie Raglan by-election is duo to vote splitting on the part of those opposed to the policy of tlie Labour Party. Tho aggregate of votes cast against the successful Labour''candi-

date shows that a great majority in tlie electorate is definitely opposed to the principles and policy of the Labour Socialists. The seat has gone to the Labour Party on a minority vote, hut I predict with confidence that today’s verdict will he reversed at the general election, provided that there are not too many candidates anxious to demonstrate their opposition to tlie principle of tlie Socialistic Party. I feel sure that one result of this contest will lie to consolidate tlie forces in the community which are definitely opposed to the platform of tlie Labour Partv."

COMMENT ON RESULT. AVELLINGTON, Sept. 30

ATr If. E. Holland (Leader of the Labour Party) states Raglan was one of the cleanest contests he had taken part in. It was quite free from personal attacks and was fought on principles. He claimed the disappearance of Mr Bollard’s 3,000 majority showed dissatisfaction with the Government. The election of Mr I.ce Martin, a farmer, disposed of the bogey that the Labour Party was inimical to the farmer.

Sir .Toscnli Ward said so long as tlie first-past-the-post system was in force there must be uncertainty with a number of candidates. The turn-over of so many votes since last election was quite remarkable, and indicates public opinion is moving rapidly in the direction of a change. Afr Parker was a lino stamp of a man and his day would come if lie wished it.

NO-LIC’ENSE VIEAV. DUNEDIN, Sept. 30. Much interest is expressed by NoLicense advocates in the result of the Raglan election. The successful Labour candidate stood for two issues on the ballot paper and prohibitionists calculate tbev will have 43 sure votes for a two-issue paper if tlie bill comes down this session, with the possibility of another nine.