29 NOVEMBER 1902, Page 3

The contest in Orkney and Shetland, brought about by the

secession of Mr. Cathcart Wason from the Unionist party, has resulted in the return of the late Member, who stood as an Independent Liberal, and was opposed, by Mr. McKinnon Wood, the official Liberal candidate, and Mr. Angier, Con- servative. The figures, declared at Kirkwall on Tuesday, were as follows :—

Mr. Cathcart Wason (I.L.) ... 2,412

Mr. McKinnon Wood (L.) ... ... 2,001 Mr. Angier (C.) ... 740

The result involves the loss of a seat to the Government, but cannot be regarded as of any special significance, Mr. Wason, by the admission of the Liberal Press, having secured his victory on personal grounds, local rather than Imperial politics having decided the issue.