30 DECEMBER 1911, Page 3

The result of the by-election in the Govan district of

Lanark was declared on Friday week. The Liberal candidate holds the seat for his party, but with a greatly reduced majority. In December 1910 Mr. Hunter was returned by a majority of 2,040. On Friday Mr. Holmes polled 7,508 votes to Mr. G. Balfour's 6,522, or a majority of 986. Speaking after the announcement of the figures, Mr. Holmes said that the result "would be considered by Mr. Lloyd George as a great triumph indeed for Liberal principles." The Chancellor of the Exchequer must be easily pleased.