OFFICIAL DECLARATION OF THE POLL.

The RETURNING OFFICER said that the numbers polled for the various candidates were as follows : — Shaw 205 Button 193 Prosser 130 He had now to declare William Shaw, Esq., duly elected Mayor of Hokitika for the ensuing twelvemonths. Mv Shaw was loudly called for, and, at length, Mr PROSSER came forward and said that he had just been informed that, through the sudden illness of Mrs Shaw, the worthy Mayor elect was prevented from coming to thank them. However, he Mr Prosser had great pleasure in returning thanks on Mr Shaw's behalf, and he did so most cordially, because that gentleman's election was the triumph of a principle. (Cheers.) In conclusion, he (Mr Prosser) would state that had he thought Mr Shaw so popular as that day's proceedings had proved him to be, he (Mr Prosser) would not have come forward. (Cheers). Mr Button, who was loudly cheered, said that he was, much obliged to the citizens for the position in which they had placed him on the poll, for if he had had only twelve more votes it would have been a tie. However, he would hope for better luck next time. As, however, he was not at the head of the poll, he very much regretted that Mr Prosser was not second on the poll instead of himself. (Cheers ) The crowd now commenced cheering vociferously, and loud cries of " Shaw ! Shaw !" announced the approach of the Mayor elect, who shortly ascended the platform. Mr SHAW said that he must apologise to them for not being present earlier, but the fact was that' ere long they would, according to the old established English custom, have to present a silver cradle to him, and thus the little stranger who was shortly to be introduced into the world would, like his friend Mr Button, be cradled in Municipal institutions. (Loud cheers.) He felt peculiarly gratified at being placed in the proud position in which the votes of his fellow-citizens had placed him, because it was a full answer to all the calumnious charges which had been made against him. He had taken but little trouble to answer those charges, but his fellow citizens had done it for him. (Cheers). In conclusion, he would again thank them most heartily, and could assure them that he would do his utmost to promote the welfare and prosperity of the town of Hokitika. (Cheers). Mr PROSSER, who was loudly cheered, said that he had to return his hearty thanks to those citizens who had voted for him. (Cheers). He congratulated them upon Mr Shaw's return, because it was the triumph of a principle. (Cheers). He (Mr Prosser) had taken no acting part to get himself elected, ho had not even been reported, but that was no fault of the WEST COAST TIMES, for on two occasions a reporter from that journal had accompanied him to places where he expected to hold meetings, but which meetings had not taken place. He would again thank them most heartily for their support. (Cheers). On the motion of Mr Prosser, three hearty cheers were given for the retiring Mayor, Mr J. A. Bonar. Mr BONAR said that during the twelvemonths he had held office, he had endeavored earnestly to do his duty, and he was happy to find that his efforts had been duly appreciated by his fellowcitizens. (Loud cheers.) He had now only to retire from office and give place to his worthy friend Mr Mayor Shaw. (Loud and prolonged cheering.) The proceedings then terminated.