14 FEBRUARY 1903, Page 2

A by-election was held in the South division of Antrim

on Thursday week owing to Mr. Macartney's acceptance of the office of Deputy Master of the Mint, with the following result; Mr. C. C. Craig (C.) 4,464 Dr.. Keightley (Farmers' and Labourers' Union Candidate) ... 3,615 Majority At four of the last five elections Mr. Macartney was returned 'unopposed, while his majority in 1900 (over an Independent Conservative candidate) was 593. The result leaves the balance of parties unaltered, but derives significance from the fact that Dr. Keightley fought as an upholder of the compul- sory land purchase scheme of Mr. T. W. Russell, 31.P., who not very long ago was sanguine of capturing every Unionist seat in Ulster.