BY A MAJORITY OF FIVE.

YESTERDAY'S STRENUOUS TIME

VERY HEAVY POLLING

MR BRAMWELL HEADS THE LIST

FOR THE COUNCIL

Mr A. M. Ongley was yesterday elected Mayor of Feilding by a majority of five voles over Mr 10. Goodbehere. The poll was the heaviest on record, 1334 voters marking the ballot papers. Mr Ongley obtained 60S votes, and Air Goodbehere 653; and there were 23 informal. The voting was so close that the Returning Officer, Air A. J. Geary, with the scrutineers, checked the ballot papers twice before making the results public, and it was after S o'clock when the announcement was made. About 1500 people crowded round the doors of the Council Chamber*, and there was tremendous cheering when the figures were gi\en. Each candidate received a very cordial greeting.

Mr Ongley. in returning thanks, said he bad scarcely expected to -address (ho electors as the successful Candida(V, and he was very grateful for the support he had received, lie knew be was lighting for a cause, and it was a big light. The electors bad given him tlie highest honour it was in their power to give. (Loud cheers.) He believed he bad been returned because he stood for a square deal. He would take an early opportunity of addressing them again, and if they thought lie had not been just and fair in the position, he would retire from borough affairs. He had enjoyed the . fight immensely. He thanked those who bad worked I'm - him and voted for him, and he thanked the other side for the fair treatment they had accorded him. There, were no animosities left behind, the fight being 011 purely public affairs. (Cheers.)

At the invitation of Mr Ongley. loud cheers wevc given for Air Goodbehere.

Mr Goodbehere said though defeated, he was not disgraced. (Cheers.) He could take his defeat with fortitude (cheers), and he heartily congratulated his opponent on his victory. He hoped there would be no foldings of bitterness; ho certainly had none. He was sure Mr Ongley would steer the municipal barque safely through the shoals of difficutly. He thanked his friends and supporters, and hoped for the benefit of the town the new Mayor and Council would be able to reduce the rates and that the town would prosper. He again congratulated Mr Ongley on his victory. "T have served for a very long time," said Air Goodbehere. 'I have done my best, and I now bid you a municipal farewell." (Loud cheers.) On Air Goodbehere's invitation, cheers were given for Air Ongley. A final cheer was added for the Alayoress.