Municipal Elections

Cromwell Argus, Volume LXI, Issue 3162, 11 May 1931, Page 5

Municipal Elections

It is many years since Cromwell had the excitement of a Municipal election—it has certainly never had one surrouuded by greater interest than that on Wednesday last. In recent years the office of Mayor went almost by default. In the way of councillors it was often a question of getting- enough to fill the seats. This year the retiring Mayor (Mr C. W. J. Roberts), after two years of office, was opposed by another young citizen, Mr J. C Parcell. For a council of eight, no less, than fourteen were nominated. Of these Mr R. R. Brother ton withdrew before the poll. Some days before the election it was plainly evident that the two sides—and there were undoubtedly two—were strongly organising. So systematically was this done that very few resident electors missed exercising their votes and the poll is claimed to be the biggest ever recorded in the town. The roll comprised some 376 names. These, of course, included a number of absentees, but of the number 313 exercised their pWivilcgQ. Both sides, seemed confident of victory. From early in the morning until even after the hour of closing cars were plying in all directions. They freely bore placards putting forth the claims of the contestants, and interest ran high. It must be admitted that the final figures caused a good many surprises. With all elections, political and other, such is frequently the case. The official figures for the office of Mayor were available just after 7 p.m., but the council results were some time later. In this the voting was, C. W. J. Roberts 180; Jas. C. Parcell 133; informal 3. When the council figures were available it was seen that five of the retiring council had been returned. .1. Parcell, J. Bell, D. C. Betts. W. Brown, F|. jPartjridge. Another was \Y. Campbell, a member of earlier councils while two new members are R. Varcoe and C. Harvey. The final figures were as follows:—D. C. Betts 247, W. Campbell 235, W. Brown 217, F. W. Partridge 194, R. Varcoe 180, T- P. Parcell 169, T. Bell 173. C. Harvey 168 (elected), R. Orr iGi, R. Congalton 1431. j. Grant 136, W. Partridge 132, L. J. Anderson 120; ! informal 7.

When the results were declared the Mayor elect, Mr Roberts, thanked the electors for again returning him in one of the keenest elections ever held. There was no doubt an issue at stake, and the ratepayers wcic alive to it. He congratulated Mr Parcel! on the fine sporting spirit in which he had contested the election. For himself, he would as in the past endeavour to advance the progress of the town. Changes had been made on the council, hut this was done by the vote of the ratepayers. He considered the new council would do good work. Two good councillors had lost their seats but these were things that often happened. He called for cheers for Mr Parcel! and the defeated councillors and returned thanks to the returning officer and scrutineers.

Mr Parcel I also spoke briefly. He congratulated his opponent on puttine* up a clean ficht. and he himself had endeavored to do this. He had not been long in the town but felt it his dutv to do vV» ,,+ l>e could for the town. He offered his services and had no regrets', lie likewise called for hearty cheers for the successful candidate.