ELTHAM BY-ELECTION.

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 6 September 1929, Page 5

ELTHAM BY-ELECTION.

BOROUGH COUNCIL VACANCY. MR. IV. RICKETTS ELECTED. A by-election held at Eltham yesterday to fill the vacancy caused 1 in the Borough ounciii by the death of the late Mr G. W .Taylor showed Mr W. Ricketts to be the most popular of the four candidates, though Mr G. \V. Peebles also followed wed. Details of the voting were as follow: W. Ricketts 23ff G. \Y. Peebles C 75 \Y. H. L-'hi'ke 41) C . N. Tap Ii n 42 Informal - Hie total shows that onlv 502 voters out of a* total or 1100 on trie roll exercised votes. Tne result was announced Between t ami 8 o crock in the, evening. yellowing the declaration or tire poll, the respective candidates expressed thanks for tne support accorded. THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE. The successful condidate, Air \\ . Ricketts, is a well-known personality throughout Taranaki. The coming term wall lie the first on which he lias seen service in local body politics, tno ugh he has been associated prominently with public affairs in the district, i>articuiaryi in educational work. For three years he has been president of the Soutii Taranaki School Committees’ Association, and his service as a member of the Ettbam School Committee includes the office of chairman for the last five years. Among other activities he has served as a member of the Eltham Chamber ol Commerce, executive and as si. member of the Eltham Progress Committee. Air Ricketts is also, well known for the .active interest he has taken in matters affecting the welfare of those who served in tdi.e Gr-eat \Y a.r, during which he himself had! tv distinguisiiedrecord. Proceeding to the front with the Alain Body N.Z. Expeditionary Force. as a sergeant in the AVeJnngton Mounted Rifles, lie was awardedthe Distinguished Conduct Aledal and promoted to commissioned, rank, the conclusion of the war finding him holding tlie rank of Captain and Adjutant of the Wellington Mounted Rifles. He was the founder of the Eltham Returned Soldiers’ league and its first president, and still hoids that office.