THE GENERAL ELECTIONS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 3127, 20 January 1871, Page 2

THE GENERAL ELECTIONS.

MR EDWARD RICHARDSON RETURNED FOR CHRISTCHURCH WEST. The election of a member to represent Christchurch West in the General Assembly, took place yesterday, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 pm. About half-past 4 o’clock, The Returning Officer announced that the numbers were : For Mr Edward Richardson ... 234 Mr Wynn Williams 214

Majority for Mr Richardson 20 He had therefore to declare Mr Richardson duly elected, (Loud cheers). Mr Richardson ; Gentlemen electors, I heg to offer you my most hear felt thanks for the proud position you have put mein to-day. On an occasion like this, I think “ the least said the sooner mended.” I will therefore say no more than to thank you, and assure you that I shall go up to Wellington and do the best I can or your interests. I go there thoroughly independent. (Cheers). I again beg to lhauk you for the honour you have done me to-day. (Renewed cheers). Mr Williams was also loudly cheered on riling to address the electors. Me said; Gentlemen, although I am beaten, I cun show \ou 1 can bear a iiealiog just as well as when I win myself. I am perfectly aware what this victory is owing to as well as most of you, hoc I am sure of one thing, gentlemen, that it will not he long before we have an opportunity of having another election. What I have told you over and over again for the last week or ten days will come about again. (Cheers.) Notwithstanding the reports that have been spread about my paying canvassers, the electors know I have done n idling of the kind ; but the other side have, and have drugged the people up to the poll from all parts of the town. Mr Richardson has won the election. It is better for me, perhaps, that I have not to go away to Wellington for three months in tbs year,

neglecting my business during that time. However, I should have been very glad to go up for one, to hold up ray voice for the expenditure of this money in email contracts instead of large ones. (Cheers.) A vote of thanks to the Returning Officer, proposed by Mr Richabdson, and seconded by Mr Williams, was carried by acclamation.