SEAT RETAINED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26635, 4 December 1947, Page 4

SEAT RETAINED

LABOUR’S WIN WESTLAND ELECTION RESULT OF VOTING P.A. GREYMOUTH, Dec. 3. The Westland by-election resulted in the Labour Party retaining the seat by a majority of 1915 on the present figures, with about 550 votes to be counted. Out of 14,848 enrolled, 12,713 voted, or nearly 84 per cent., compared with 94 per cent, in the 1946 election. The final figures to-night are: J. B. Kent (Lab.) .. .. 7039 J. F. Lockington (Nat.) 5124

Majority for Kent .. 1915 The figures for the general election were: J. O’Brien (Lab.) .. .. 9097 E. F. (Nat.) .. 4381 There remain 514 absentee, declaration, postal, and seamen’s votes to be counted. At the general election O'Brien secured 594 and Chivers 306 out of a total of 900 absentee and other outstanding votes. “ The election marks the close of an era of representation in Parliament by one whom we all revered,” Mr Kent said to-night, “ and as his successor I humbly dedicate myself to your service, to carry on where Mr, O’Brieri left off. In this heavy task I am consoled by the thought that so many of you have.stood firm by our late friend.

I ask you to help me so that, together, under God’s guidance, we may march forward and onward to the goals of peace, happiness, and continued prosperity.” Mr Kent congratulated his opponent on his effort. Mr Lockington, congratulating Mr Kent, said the National Party had increased its vole by over 1000, which was very satisfactory. The time, he said, was not far distant when this electorate and the Dominion would return to a sound Government.

The Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, said the election of Mr Kent to represent Westland by a majority of nearly 2000 was very pleasing. Mr Kent’s success had demonstrated that Westland was an impregnable Labour stronghold. Mr Kent had a very difficult task in following Mr O’Brien, because of the latter’s personal popularity throughout Westland. “ The result' is clearly a definite vote of confidence in the Labour Government,” Mr Fraser said. “Naturally, I am gratified. The comparatively small gain of 740 votes by the National Party is really a poor return for the very strenuous efforts it made to stampede the electors. On the other hand, the substantial reduction in the Labour vote has to be frankly admitted.” Mr Fraser congratulated Mr Kent, thanking him and his friends and supporters, who had worked untiringly for the victory they had achieved.