THE CHRISTCHURCH ELECTION.

Temuka Leader, Issue 175, 13 September 1879, Page 2

THE CHRISTCHURCH ELECTION.

Business seemed tobe entirely suspended throughout the city on Wednesday, and general interest was devoted to mutters electionary. Cabs were flying about jn all directions, indicating Eire n from different points of view how the electors ought to vote. For the greater part of the day a large number of persons were assembled in front of the Oddfellows’ Hall (the principal polling place) ;and of the Committee-rooms of the various candidates which were contiguous to the Hall. Some anvsing cartoons were posted on the windows of the rooms, and over one 'ocupiecl by the Liberal ~ Oonnnitee was a large oil painting of Sir George Gray knocking down with a blow Sir William Fox, and which -originally came out in the Wellington ‘ Pmieh’ fThs boa:dings and fences in the main streets were also literally billed Jryvith these cartoons. In the Odd Hall there were four tables various scrutineers were seated, the letters of the alphabet being divided between the four tables, and as these divisions, were conspicuously posted over each table very little time was lost in obtain.g a ballot paper. Though a great deal of friendly chalf was indulged in during the clay, there was an entire absence of rowdyism. The excitement was intense as 4 o’clock approached, and the rowy portion of the mob began to develop tlfeir mischievous propensities. Flour bags showered their P contents in all directions, the police being especially favored. This led to reprisals on their part, and a large number of offenders were arrested, and taken to the depot, accompanied by a howling mob. The constables were in strong force, and had their batons in hand. After dark , crackers were freely used, and caused more roit, and the mob still increasing, l police had all they coukldoth keep a small pathway clear in the middle of the stieeifor vehicles. It was halfpast seven o’clock before the poll was delivered, and there were then at least 2000 people in front of the hall. The following were the numbers : Sir George Grey ... ... 1315 Andrews 1250 Stevens ... 1250 Richardson *" 1227 Treadwell 548 The noise was tremendous ; cheering and cries of all kinds interrupting each declaration, and cries weee of “ To Coker’s Hotel ! ” where Sir George Grey was • staying. When the mob had gone a short distance, shouts of “ Its only a ruse ” were .raised, and most of them returned. A few hundreds, however, kept on, and Sir George Grey addressed them in & short speech from a window of the hotel. t Tt"; result is a severe blow to Con--y r yvative ’ party, who were of their two men, nor did tney expect Sir George Grey would heat Mr Andrews. The latter, in consequence of his being a working man and a Good Templar, was expected by many, even the Liberal side, to beat Sir George Grey.