THE SECOND BALLOT.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 423, 16 December 1911, Page 5

THE SECOND BALLOT.

THE OPPOSITION VICTORIOUS.

IS THERE a WORKING MA-

JORITY?

Intense interest was manifested in connection with the second ballots throughout the Dominion for it was universally recognised that the fate of a long established Government hung in the balame. Sir Joseph vVard, with characteristic optimism professed the utmost confidence in what he termed the common sense of the people, and fully expected a majority as the result of Thursday's ballots. Mr Massey, on the other hand, was just as confident, and, working with untiring energy marshalled his forces to a thoroughly well-earned victory. Any victory is well earned that comes as the result.of long years of devotion to a cause, often under the most dis piriting conditions, and the history of Mr Massey's ieadership of his party may well be cited as an example of grit unrivalled in the history of Dominion politics. At the conclusion of the first ballot on December 7th it seemed as though the Government might still be able to claim a majority at the conclusion of the second ballot, but when it became apparent that the Labour vote was being cast for Mr Massey the downfall of the Government was sealed. It is still somewhat difficult to determine the exact majority Mr Massey will have, but it is practically certain that the situation will be dominated by the Labour vote. It is assumed that certain Labour members will be found supporting one party while the remainder will tender their allegiance to the other. This course may be fouurid expedient by the Labour representatives for a time, but there is little doubt that the Labour interests in future are destined to be clearly defined from any of the present contending parties for power. Two things have been made perfectly plain by this election: That Labour has separated from the Ward party; and that it is going to have separate representation in the politics of the country as a party entirely distinct from any other. It is therefore only reasonable to assume that as lung as the war is waged between Masseyism and Wardisrn the Labour vote is going to turn the scale.

RESULT OF THE BALLOTS. The results of the ballots in the 30 seats contested on Thursday are given below :

Parnell. —J. S. Dickson, 4225; Sir John Findlay, 3789; majority for Dickson, 427.

Grey Lynn.—J. Payne, 3454; Hon. G. Fovvld3, 3423; majority for Payne, 21. There are 84 absentees' and seamen's votes to come

Waitemata. —A. Harris, 3791; W. J. Napier, 3392; majority for Harris, 399. One small return to come, but cannot affect the result.

Kaipara.—R. J. G. Coates, 2640; J. Stallworthy, 2094; majority for Coates, 546. Four small returns to come, but cannot affect the result. Ohinemuri. —H. Poland, 3335; P. H. Hickey, 2123; majority for Poland, 1212.

Raglan.—R. F. Bollard, 2772 ; A. Bell, 1856; majority for Bollard, 916. Hawke's Bay. —H. M. Campbell, 3927; H.I. Simpson, 289; majority for Campbell, 109 S. Three small returns to come.

Pahiatua.—J. H. Escott, 2794; R. B. Ross, 2195; majority for Escott, 596.

Masterton. —G. R. Sykes, 3210; A. W. Hogg, 2640; majority for Sykei. 570. Waimarino.—R. W, Smith, 2965; F. F. Hockley, 2514; majority for Smith, 451.

Wanganui.—W. A, Veitch, 4064; J. T. Hogan, 2934; majority for Veitch, 1130. Otaki. —J. Robertson, 2485: W. H. Feild, 2464 ; majority for Robertson, 21. There are 35 absent voters' permits to come. Wellington Suburbs. —W. 11. D. Bell, 3013; F. T. Moore, 646; majority for Bell, 367. Wellington Central. F. M. B. Fisher, 3753; R. Fletcher, 3603 ; majority for Fisher, 150. Wellington South.- —A. H. Hindmarsh, 3567; R. A. Wright, 3257; majority for Hindmarsh, 280. Wellington East. —Dr A. K. Newman, 3712; I). McLaren, 3686; majority for Newman, 26. There are 93 permits to come, -which may affect the result.

Nelson.--H. Atmore, 3514; W. J. Moffat, 2077; majority for Atmore, 1437.

Wairau. —R. McCallum, 3184; J. Duncan, 3030 ; majority for McCallum, 154.

Ka : apoi.—Hon. D. Buddo, 2983; R. Moore, 2767; majority forßuddo, 216. Christchurch East.—T. H. Davey, 4025; Dr H, J. T. Thacker, 2839; majority for Davey, 1186. Christchurch North.—L. M. Isitt, 4607; J. D. Hall, 3867; majority for Isitt, 740,

Riccarton. —G. Witty, 3958; C. H Ensor, 2147; majority for Witty 1811.

Avon. —G. W. Russell, 3843; J. McCombs, 355U; majority for Russell, 293.

Ashburton. —W. Nosworthy, 3209; J. Kennedy, 2294; majority for Nosworthy, 915. Timaru.— J. Craigie, 3875; J. H. Moore, 2667; majority for Craigie, 1211.

Waitaki.—F. H. Smith, 2592; J. A. Macpherson, 2513; majority for Smith, 79. There are 28 permits to come, but this cannot affect the result.

Dunedin North.—G. M. Thomson, 4096; D. R. Douglas, 3406; majority for Thomson, 690. Dunedin West. —Hon. J. A. Millar, 4396; H. D. Bedford, 3767; majority for Millar, 629. Chalmers.—E. 11. Clark, 2993; J. T. Johnson, 2680; majority for Clark, 313.

Invercarigll.'—J. A. Hanan. 3714; T. Fleming, 3049: majority for Hanan, 665.