Mayoral Elections.

Southland Times, Issue 9384, 25 November 1886, Page 2

Mayoral Elections.

INVERCAEGILL, The poll taken je6terday to decide who should have the honour of taking bis seat as chief citizen of the borough for the coming year did not create much excitement nor induce a large number of ratepayers to record their votes. Cabs bearirjg the 6xhortatory banners of the candidates were plentiful, and the supporters of Mr Roche were diligent in the work of securing votes, but further than these indications of an election day there was little to show that such an event was progressing. Opiniocs wero as usual much divided with regard to the chances of the candidate?, but it may Bafely be said that the majority held that it would be a closer contest than it turned out to be. About 6.20 p.m., Mr W. B. Scandrett, Returning Officer, emerged from the door of the Council Chamber?, before which a crowd of rather more than the usual dimensions had assembled, and annouacod the result of tho poll to be Mr David Roche 309 Mr J. L, McDonald 239 The figures were received with the signs of approbation and disapproval common on bucli occasions, the satisfaction evinced by tho majority, however, being decidedly the more spirited and prolonged. Mr Roche (who was received with vociferous applauge) said that he desired first to thank his fellow .citizens for the position in which they had placed him, because a principle was involved in hia election. It was not a case of fighting for David Koch?, but against the principle that it had been sought to introdace — that was to make lavercargill a close borough (applause). The chairman of Mr McDonald's meeting (Mr Bain) had said that he was personally proud of the way in which the borough's affairs had been conducted ; but if Mr Baia had taken an interest in the affairs of tho town for many years he would have known more about them, and his opinion would have been of more value. He (the speaker) assured hiß hearers that he would attend to the duties of the office to which they had raised him, he hoped, as well as any of his predecessors, and when his term of office was completed he trusted to be able to leave the chair with credit to himself and those who had shown their confidence in him. (Cheers.) He desired to thank his committee for the good work they had done, and also Mr McDonald for tLe j magnificent way in which the contest had been carried on. (Cheers). The election, be considered, was a credit to the town. He had intended to say something about an article that appeared in tho Southland Times that morning, but he had not time, and it did not much matter now. He therefore would confine himself to [ again thanking those who had voted for him, and to promising these citizens his best services. (Applause.) Mr McDonald, who followed, received a very warm reception of mixed character. After quiet was restored, he said that to a certain extent he was in no way disappointed at the result of the election, and they were not to think he was going to put his shoulder out of joint over his defeat, as he had only coma forward on the strength of a requisition. There was also a great deal to be said ia favour of Mr Roche a3 a candidate, aad he bad no doubt thai gentleman, would, fill the office of

[mayor with credit. (Cheers).. He had . no serious regret over the result, and he felt care that the election had not marred the feelings of the electors towards him. (Applause), He felt proud to know that the contest had been a most friendly 'one; that nothing had been said on either side to offend, and he felt certain that any irritation that might exist in the mipds of the electors did::n6ti exist between himself and. Mr Roche. (Hear, hean) He hoped Mr Roche's term wbnld be as pleasant as bis had been. He wished him every success, and had no doubt he would leave everything in as good order in manicipal affairs as he fonnd them. He (the speaker) had had no committee at work for him ; he had left the question to the free decision of the ratepayers, and was satisfied with it. (Mr McDonald here placed his mayoral bell-topper On Mr Roche's head amid the cheers of ttoe assembly.) . : A vote of thanks to the Returning Officer, , proposed and seconded by the candidates, having been accorded Mr Racbe was borne shoulder high to a cab fiom which the horse had been removed, and drawn away by his supporters. (By Telegraph.) Wellington, Nov. 24. The election for Mayor created a good deal of excitement and resulted in the return of Mr Saranel Brown, contractor. The numbers were— Samuel Brown, 864 ; George Fisher, 645. Majority for Brown, 219. Blenheim, Nov. 24. At the mayoral election to-day Mr W» Doualin was elected by a majority of 34 over bis opponent, C. R Riley. The figures were — Donsl'D, 201 ; Riley, 167. Christchukch, Nov. 24. There was a close contest at the city mayoral election. The result was the return of the present Mayor, Mr Ayere, by a majority of five, the numbers being — Ayers, 636 ; 0. Louisaon, 631. The St. Albans electioa was equally close and resulted in the re-election of Mr Bnll. A.t Lyttelton Mr Harry Allwright was returned by a good majority. Dunedin, Nov. 24. Mr R. H. Leary wa6 elected Mayors beating Mr Carroll by a majority of 193« Tho voting was the heaviest ever polled here. Mr Cirroll announced that he intended to take steps to upset the election on the ground that those whose names were placed on the supplementary roll were not allowed to vote. Oamabu, Nov, 24. The Mayoral election resulted in ,the return of Mr W. Christie (149) ; Mr J.jSinclair, 85 ;Mr T. Proctor, 57. . Timabu, Nov. 24. Mr Mosa Jonas was elected Mayor, beating Mr J. Jackson, who has been Mayor for four years. The voting was — For Joua?, 121 ; Jackson, 89. Gore, Nov. 24. Mr John TiacGibbon (elected), 45 ; Mr Simson, 39 ; Mr Canning, 35. The candidateß returned thanks, Mr Canning announcing his intention to stand next year. Gheymouth, Nov. 24. The result of the Mayoral election was as follows : — Mr Potrie, 172 ; Mr Nancarrow, 108 ; MrKilgour, 63., Hokitika, Nov. 24. Mr H. L. Michel, of Hokiiika, was elected Mayor.