THE OTAKI SEAT.

Otaki Mail, 8 December 1922, Page 3

THE OTAKI SEAT.

MB FIELD LEADING. 21S ABSENT VOTERS’ PERMITS TO COME IN. Considerable interest was displayed in the above seat, and the returns were watched keenly both at the theatre and at the “Mail” Oilicc. Messrs Field and McClure took it in turn to head the poll, but it was seen almost from the outset that Mr Harkncss was out of the running. At one stage -nr McClure had a big lead, but this was reduced, and Mr field was in the front and thus it went on. When the linal results were posted there was jubilation among Mr Field’s supporters, il being considered that Mr McClure would have a difficult chance of defeating him. The returns gave Mr! Field a lead of 00, but there are 218 absent voters permits to conic in. The “Mail” wishes to thank Mr Eddy, Registrar of Electors, for his help anci courtesy, and also extends its thanks to the local postal officials. Results:—

2725 703 2665 Mr Field returned tlianks to all wlio had worked so hard for him, and hoped all workers for the respective candidates would still be good friends. He could not say yet who was the defeated candidate, as there were still 213 absent voters’ permits, and the final result could not be known for a few days. There had been great surprises in other seats; Labour had gained some seats in Wellington City. Mr Field said that if ho was defeated ho had great satisfaction in knowing the Reform Party had secured a majority. He had great suspense during the last hour and a-hulf, and he felt sure that whoever was elected would represent the district faithfully and well. Mr Field, who was presented with a beautiful bouquet at the commencement of his address, said he accepted it as a mark of the good feeling existing towards him still, and he concluded by calling for three cheers for Mr Harkness, which were heartily given.

Mr McClure followed Mr Field, and thanked all electors who voted and also all who worked for him. It was his first venture in the political areua. (cries of “Come Again!’’). Mr Harkness returned thanks for the cheers given for the defeated candidate. He had enjoyed the contest which had been an education to him. lie thanked all helpers, especially those of Chau, who had worked so hard for him, also workers at Otaki, and all those who had voted for him. He congratulated the winners, and said that gratulated the winners, and said that he felt Mr Field was eleetted, for with the absent votes to conic Mr McClure had a big handicap with Mr Field's present majority. If the electors should want him on a future occasion his services would be at their disposal. Mr Harkness concluded by thanking Otaki for the good hearing given him. (Applause). The absent voters’ permits will be opened on Tuesday by Mr Eddy. He'formers are confident of Mr Field’s victory, < _ *'«•

P % a g Akatarawa (Strand’s) . J g £ 16 2 15 Akatarawa (Clark's) ... 15 2 5 Belmont 55 12 30 Hayward’s 1) 1 9 Horokiwi Valley Camp . 1 4 35 Horokiwi V., Humphries 4 3 S Ihakara 75 17 24 Johnsonvillc 259 52 409 J itdgeford 14 10 16 Kaitoke 11 (5 20 Karapoti 11 3 27 Levin 136 25 45 Manakait 140 30 38 Mangaroa . 58 0 A'gahaurknga 32 4 109 Xonnandale 10 0 12 Ohariu 35 8 8 Oh au 116 84 89 Otuki 245 69 239 Otaki (Railway) 142 24 74 I’aekakariki 73 9 14 i Paliautanui 60 20 10 Paraparaumu 119 35 125 Paremata 30 5 29 Plinimerlon ‘ SO 11 67 Porirua S5 22 139 Pukerua 8 1 9 Rikiorangi 45 6 27 Rimutaka Road 8 0 47 , Silverstream 45 7 82 I Summit 0 0 10 I Takapu 6 . 0 1 Tawa Flat 50 8 25 Te Horo 109 31 35 Te Marua 1(5 21 10 Xitahi Bav IS 2 i Trentham (Hall) 52 20 115 Trentliaiu (Camp) 87 13 142 Upper Hutt 198 84 365 Waihoanga 25 1 23 j Waikanae 90 10 55 Wallaceville 27 5 3 Weraroa (B.T. Farm) ... 6*5 14 21 Weraroa (C.D. Farm) ... 35 41 21