HOKITIKA DISTRICT ELECTION.

DECLARATION OF THE POLL.

At noon yesterday, in front of the Court House, Dr Giles, Returning Officer, announced the official declaration of the poll. There were about 100 electors present, and the Returning Officer stated that he had simply to announce the number of votes recorded was as follows :— Reid ... 917 Seddon 800 Dungan ... 561 Barff 403 Cuming 90 He therefore declared Messrs Robert Caldvrell Reid, and Richard John Seddon to be duly elected, as members of the House of Representatives. (Applause.) He then called upon the candidates, if they ?o desired, to address the electors present. Mr Reid said it was with the utmost pleasure and pride, that he came forward to thank the electors for the high and honorable position to which he had been elected. He felt that it was a great compliment to be placed at the head of the poll, by such a large constituency and in such a well-contested election ; at the same time be was equally cognisant of the lespausibilities of the position. Having secured the confidence of the electora*.e, it was the duty of the representatives pf the district to so act as to be enabled to render a good account of their stewardship, in order to retain their confidence in the future. While gratified with the present result, he would recollect that he was now on his trial, and he hoped his political career would be marked with a sense of duty consistent with the best interests of the Coast and of the colony at large. He would strive, with his colleague, to attend to the local requirements of the district, and would endeavor to add bis quota to the advancement of New Zealand. It was pleasing to observe that there were six members returned by West Coast constituencies, all of whom were pledged to support the liberal measures introduced by the Grey Government. He felt confident with united action on their part on behalf of these measures in the interests of the Coast, that a radical reform and great improvement in political affairs would result, With his local colleague he had no fear but their action would be in one direction, to serve the best interests pf Westland. He looked to the member for Totara, being now Minister of Mines, as a strength to the West Coast party. In Mr Masters who headed the poll at the Grey, he had an old and respected colleague, with whom he had worked harmoniously, in years gone by, in municipal and other circles. In Mr Reeves the Coast had a staunch supporter of the Ministry and a gentleman fully acquainted with every part ot the Coast. His (Mr Reid's) knowledge of Mr Fisher for the past ten or twelve years, justified him in saying tbat he would prove a valuable addition to the party, and there was every reason to hope that they would all work unitedly for some time to come. He again most heartily thanked the electors in tswn and country, and his aim would be to retain that confidence so unmistakeably reposed in him during the present election. (Applause.)

Mr Seddon had a presentiment when the nomination took place, that his position on the poll would be the same as it was then, second to Mr Reid. He was proud of the position he was in, and especially gratified at the manner in which Hokitika had assisted the country districts, which would bring about a feeling of ieciprocity between them. He was sure Mr Reid and himself would work well together. There had been a fair fight and no ill-feeling during the election. Not one of the candidates , had said anything against the others. The way in which the election was conducted, was an example to many of the Australian Colonies and some parts

of New Zealand. He thought it due to the Returning Officer and Deputy Officers for the way in which the elections were conducted to thank them. No protests had been talked about. He begged to thank the electors for the position iv which he had been placed, and assured them he would do the best he could to warrant their confidence. (Applause.)

Mr Dungan tendered his heartfelt thanks to the electors who had voted for him. It was true he had been beaten, but it was also true that he stood there undismayed although the result had so far been against him. He bowed to the will of the people. B\>r the kindness, sympathy, and support given to his small merits he was very grateful. He tendered his respects to those who supported him and those who voted against him. (Applause.) In conclusion, he begged to propose a cordial vote of thanks to the Returning Officer for the manner ia which he had conducted the election. (Applause.) The Returning Officer briefly thanked the meeting for the compliment, and praised the conduct of his deputies. The proceedings thea terminated.