CHAIRMAN LOSES SEAT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22107, 13 May 1935, Page 11

CHAIRMAN LOSES SEAT

COUNTY ELECTION TIE DECISION BY LOT EIGHTEEN YEARS' SERVICE [by telegraph—OWN correspondent] WHANGAREI. Saturday The chairman of the Whangarei County Council, Mr. L. Webb, who was a candidate for re-election for the Otonga Riding at the election last Wednesday, had lost his seat as the result of the official count of votes. The preliminary count on Wednesday night had given Mr. Webb a majority of two, the figures being: Webb, 68; Martin, 66. When the official count was completed to-day it was found that each candidate had nolled 67 votes. As provided by law the seat was determined by lot. The drawing of a name from a hat, which was made by the returning; officer, resulted in Mr. Martin being the successful candidate. Mr. Webb, who has been a member of the council continuously for 18 years, thus lost his seat. The chairmanship of the council has boon held by Mr. Webb for nine years continuously, which is a longer period than is to the credit of any other member, the next longest being those of Mr. A- G McKenzie and Mr. W. Jones, who each held the position for six years. On only one occasion during those nine years has a resolution moved by Mr. Webb been defeated. Probably a Dominion record has been established by Mr. Webb in the matter of attendance at meetings. During his 18 years' membership of the council he has missed only one meeting, and that was iu the course of the influenza epidemic in 1918. Mr. Webb is the present chairman of the North Auckland Counties Association, and is a member of the executive of the New Zealand Counties' Association. Since the commencement of the Highways Board system he has represented Whangarei on the No. 1 Highways Board Council. He is also chairman of the Hikurangi Dairy Company.