Excitement in Napier.

Otago Witness, Issue 1731, 24 January 1885, Page 9

Excitement in Napier.

Nafieb, January 20.

There was tremendous excitement in both town and country to-day over* the Harbour Board polling, and the day was obßerved as a general holiday. It was known that a large majority of resident ratepayers were in favour of the scheme, but owing to the peculiar clause inserted in the Harbour Boards Act by the Legislative Council, all dead men and absentees on the rolls, and all on the rolls who did not vote, were counted as voting against the harbour works. There were 1908 names on the roll, but 400 were those ot dead men and absentees, leaving only 1500 to vote, out of which 955^nust be recorded in favour. There was also a property qualification, tyit no fear was felt of a majority under that head ; but to secure a full poll a fund of £2000 was voluntarily subscribed, and special trains, coaches, and cabs were run in every direction. Strong committees were formed in all centres to see that every available man polled. The result _ was such as to surpass the most sanguine anticipations. Out of a possible 1500 voters 1387 voted for the proposal and only 50 against. On the property qualification there was a surplus of nearly 2500. votes. This poll is unprecedented ip New Zealand, The groatesfc entnuß^asra prevails — bands parading the streets, fireworks going up, and general rejoicing going an. Mv Qrmond wftß lou/Hy, cheered when he announced, toe. re^t pf th& poll.