The Mayoral Contest.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VII, Issue 1180, 24 November 1880, Page 2

The Mayoral Contest.

The "fun" commenced early — soon after seven o'clock— when traps were, sent to Te Arai, Waerenga-a-hika, to Ormond and to parts adjacent for the •purpose; of bringing in those whose names were .on the Burgess Roll, although living outside the municipality. The poll opened at 9 o'clock, when all who. wished to record a quiet vote went to "the Council Chamber up-stairs, made good their voting paper, and having deposited it in the ballot box walked their way to pursue the day's avocations. Traps and vehicles were called into requisition, each placarded with either the name of -'Pokier" or " Crawford "and requesting a vote. Towards 11 o'clock the excitement commenced. And what with heat, and dust-clouds, and. of running to and. fro, there was much thirst and an unconquerable desire to quench it. To show there was no animosity the supporters of Porter called for Crawford in long drinks. It is " good for business " these elections. They cause money to be spent. Printers and newspaper proprietors get their . share of patronage. Vehicle owners do not fare badly. Hotel-keepers perhaps get the best of the' affair. . Drinks are. settled for at the time, and ' drinks both precede and follow electioneering business. But owners of vehicles and newspaper proprietors and printers do not get settled with until " arter the poll; " and it is astonishing to thosenot well acquainted with "human nature how people's feelings differ between- the, jtjime. of " afore the poll.an d " arter the. poll.!' ; " Afore the poll" expense is never for a moment considered.. . " Arter the poll "makes all jihe difference. Then those' who are responsible for expenses, or the orders given begin to calculate closely.. They cannot recollect that, such or such orders were made. They, think the charges are excessive. . They w«uit large per centages "knocked. off," and ct cetera. No one who has. not had /experience in such contests has any idea* how the thermometer goes up to blood heat, before the. poll, and sinks to below zero after the result is.known. In the candidature Mr, Crawford's supporters made ranch' h'oise'j and talked very great things indeed. Captain Porter's friends on the other hand .worked i- : welt but? quietly; We "■ do not' imagine anything that ; wa s saidW done on either- side to-day: made any change in the votes recorded-. Each ratepayer' made up his mind days before which man lie intended to support ; -and placards;' and flags; and traps, arid" other accessories "did nbfc 1 change the opinions of voters., Times; are dull', and it is something when the monotony prevailing finds something fco stir it. into life. The rhystery will be solved : sometime ' about 6. 30 this evening. '■'* ' ' ■■'•'■• ' ' ; ■ ' : "' " t: