MR. CLINKARD WINS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 94, 11 December 1931, Page 6

MR. CLINKARD WINS

THE. FINAL FIGURES OFFICIAL MAJORITY OF FIFTY-SEVEN OVER MR. MONCUR ALSO ABSOLUTE MAJORITY After over a week of suspense, the final election count for the Rotorua electorate, was announced yesterday morning with the return of the sitting m^mber, Mr. C. H. Clinkard, M.P., by a majority of 57 over his Labour opponent Mr A. F. Moncur. This represented an increase of 49 in the majority of 8 which was given Mr. Clinkard by the provisional figures, following pclling on December 2. On the count of absentee and postal votes which was completed yesterday morning, Mr. Clinkard had a majority of 35 over Mr. Moncur and these with the revised figures of the official recount increased his majority to 57. The official count for the four candidates gives the voting as follows:' — D. R. F. Campbell (Coun. P.) 1411 C. H. Clinkard (C.) 3117 A. F. Moncur (Lab.) 3060 E. Earle Vaile (Ind. R.) 1815 Informal 61 This represents a total of 9403 valid votes as against 8317 recorded in the constituency last election when the voting was as follows: — C. H. Clinkard (United), 3617; F. F. Hockly (Reform), 3417; A. G. Christopher (Labour), 659; S. H. Judd (Country Party, 624. At the 1928 election, Mr. Clinkard had a majority of 200. The absentee and postal voting was recorded as follows : —

"Most Trying Election" "This election has been the most trying that I have ever experienced said Mr. Clinkard in an interview with the "Post," when the final figures were announced. "I have the largest and perhaps the most scattered constituency in the North Island There were over 60 polling places to

be visited and only 18 evenings available. I worked night and day during the all too short time available and although I covered over 1500 miles in my own car, even then it was impossible for me to reach every part of the electorate. Another fortnight for campaignlng would have helped me a lot." "There is no doubt that I lost many old supporters owing to the Coalition," Mr. Clinkard stated. "Naturally I regret their losst but Coalition was the only course. On the other hand, many Reformers gave loyal support, some to myself, and others to the gentlemen's agreement made between the two parties.' "I am deeply grateful to all sections, who gave me their support and I trust that I shall continue to merit their confidence. Triangular Contests "Taking the election in general, I think it highly regrettable that there were so many triangular contests. Had it been otherwise, Labour would have had practically no ga'ns. As i: is, the outside world only knows that the Labour vote has increased, which is not an advantage in restoring thc confidence which is so essential to our progress. "So far as the future is concerned I intend to do my best to cement the bonds of friendship between the Reform and Un ted parties, in order that we may show a united front to theforces of disruption." First of a flood of congratulatory telegrams which descended upon Mr. Clinkard, was the following message received from the Prime Minister, the Right Hon. G. W. Forbes. "I was delighted to hear the final figures in the Rotorua election and congratulate you most heartily on your win against great odds. Kind regards to Mrs. Clinkard and yourself." George W. Forbes.

The Labour Candidate "The unsuccessful Labour candidate, Mr. A. F. Moncur, in an interview with the 'Post,' congratulatecl Mr. Clinkard and expressed his appreciation of the spirit in which the contest had been fought. There hac been no personalities from any section. "Once again I want to thank all my various committees and friends foi their splendid work," said Mr. Moncur. "They left nothing undone to secure my return and the record Labour vote which was polled for the electorate refiects the result of theh efforts to a very large degree. Personally I have no doubt that the Rotorua seat is capable of being wor by Labour provided that the policy of the party is capably expounded The fact ' that there was a Labouj majority in such important centres of the electorate as Rotorua, Mamaku, Putaruru, Ngongotaha, and Taupo refiects the trend of the people's feeling. "So far as the general position it concerned, tjierejias been a significant change in the feeling of the electors. In 1928, Labour polled 196,000 votes, but last Wednesday we polled 230,000 in spite of the fact that there was a marked decrease in the total aggregate vote and that wt had less candidates over the wholo of New Zealand." In conclusion, Mr. Moncur express ed his intention of again offering hir services at the next elections and his confidence that Labour would come Into its own.

Absentee Post Tot D. R. F. Campbell 35 4 39 C. H. Clinkard 189 9 198 A. F. Moncur 156 7 163 E. E. Vaile 82 16 98 Informal .31 4