Federation.

Manawatu Herald, 7 June 1898, Page 2

Federation.

RESULT OF THE POLLING

The federal elections in Sydney was the tamest of tame affairs, and the voting in the city was light. It was generally anticipated that the city would vote heavily agaiost

the Bill, while the country would go solidly for it. The reverse proved to be the case. ttbe majority against the Bill in Sydney was only 679, while the opinion in the country was very even. The suburbs polled heavily against • rthe measure. . Bathurst, which is a strong federal centre, upheld its reputation. Newcastle also declared the Bill. Tremendous crowds thronged the streets. - • „ , Atfl o'clock the Sydney Morning Heratd "board announced that the required 80,000 votes had been cast for the Bill, while the anti-federal vote Was several thousands behind. Thereupon Mr E. Barton, QC. (leader of the Convention), and several other federal leaders addressed the crowd, congratulating them upon the accomplishment of union. ' The federal flag wag unfurled amid cheers, but'unfortunately the HvraU through an error, had added about - 20,000 votes to each total. At 10 80 p.m. the official figures were as follow :— For the Bill, 71,-----189 votes ; against the' Bill, 66,6*0. The Ohief-Returning^Offioer states that even if the whole of the remaining returns to come are cast for the Bill, it will fail to obtain the 80,000 votes required. No details of the Victorian election are to hand, but it is reported that the Bill was carried there by 62,524 to 18,752. The Tasmanian returns are incomplete. The minimum required there was 6000, and the latest returns show— For the Bill, 629H against the Bill, 1988.