THAT "5000 MAJORITY."

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3372, 29 December 1919, Page 5

THAT "5000 MAJORITY."

ALLIANCE MAKES MISTAKE IN CALCULATION.

It was’ currently reported ‘in Wellington during last and the present week that in connection with the Dominion" vote on the licensing issues prohibition was in the lead by ‘-5000 votes. On Friday the majority had. dropped to 3500, but on Saturday it was semi-officially fitated to a New Zea; land Times representative that tli?-, In'ajority was really 5000. A‘ prominent prohibition worker stated that he had been otficially informed by the Rev. R. S. Gray that the prohibition majfiity was as stated, -and that such a commanding lead had been secured that prohibition was almost certain. Thesefigues -do not tally with the roffieial results supplied by the chief elector-nr oflicer, and much speculation arose as to how such -abparently Well authenticated but decidedly misleading details came’ to ‘be circulated.’

The following paragraph taken from the Gisborno Herald throws some light on the subject: “A__'telopllone message was receivfed from VVellington explain-< ing the position with I'o’speot to the licensing pol]. In counting the telegraphic returns in Wellington, ‘it ap-‘ pears certain of «tho continuance and} prohibifion VOtCS were confused-, m‘.lk-‘: ing a.- difference in the result of 3000} Votes. This acccuiirg for the 5000\[ nmjority which was claimed. The posi— 3 firm as now asool"uaino<l gave the trade a load of over ]OOO votes. The final re- I snlf, however, was uncertain, and the; actual position would not be known for 1 sormg days. In any case, in the opinion 1 of the Rev.'R.'S. Gray, it is going to be a very close poll.” l