MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

Southland Times, Issue 17919, 26 April 1917, Page 7

MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

A Small Poll MR JOHN STEAD ELECTED MAYOR Six New Town Councillors The biennial Municipal Elections which took place yesterday, were favoured with conditions which were in every particular conducive to a large poll being recorded. In the first place the weather throughout was ideal, a holiday had been proclaimed in honour of Anzac Day, and the memorial ceremonial attracted people from their homes who, perhaps, in other circumstances would not have troubled to go out. Notwithstanding these favourable conditions, the poll fell by over 600 votes compared with the one recorded at the previous municipal elections two years ago. Notwithstanding the falling-off in the voting, a keen interest was taken in the elections, especially in regard to the contest for Mayor, and each side was equally confident. It was generally thought that the contest would have been a closer one, but the old saying that "one never knows till the numbers go up” again held good, Mr Stead defeating Mr McFarlane by a comparatively large majority. The voting continued very steadily throughout the day, but never at any time was there any congestion at the booths. The arrangements made by the Returning Officer (Mr T. W. Walker) were very complete, and, so far as one could learn, no complaints were - heard regarding them. Four booths were provided in the Victoria Hall, and one in the Council Chamber, and these proved sufficient to cope with the wants of electors at the central station. The following is a detailed statement showing the polling at the different booths: —

THE MAYORALTY. Shortly before 7.45 p.m. the Returning Officer declared the result of the Mayoral election to a large crowd of people as follows: Votes. Stead .. .. .. .. .. .. 2275 McFarlane .. 1853 Majority for Stead .. 422 Mr Stead, who was the first of the candidates to appear after the poll had been declared, was greeted with cheering. He asked them to wait for his thanks until Mr McFarlane appeared, and said that he was awfully sorry to have beaten a man with whom he had been for so long associated. Later, Mr Stead, in thanking the electors, said that he had entered the contest with the feeling that in doing so he was studying the interests of the public. He had not been fighting for his own ambitions and aspirations, but those of the public. He had been approached continually to contest the election, and one gentleman had caused him to decide to do so. This gentleman referred to the manner he (Mr Stead) had spoken from the platform on patriotic questions, and said ‘ that the people looked to him to make the sacrifice he would have to make regarding his business and in other ways in order to test the question as to whether a man who had already filled the office for four years should occupy the chair for another two years. He had come before them with the utmost confidence, because he had not done anything in his public career that they could take exception to, and he could therefore give the question that had been raised a fair and square test. The contest had been a clean one. Mr Mcp’arlane had always been his friend, and be had always assisted to the best of bis ability Mr McFarlane while he had occupied the Mayoral chair. But his predecessor was not so young as he used to be, and if those present, Including himself, were similar in age, they would pot be perhaps as vigorous as Mr McFarlane was. He accepted the responsibility that had been placed on him, but no man had yet been selected for the position who could be termed an ideal Mayor. That man had not yet been born. He would, however, do his best, as his record in the past would show that he had always tried to do. He had held their confidence, not by scheming, and would endeavour to do better than when he held the position of Mayor seventeen years previously. He expressed his warmest thanks to his supporters, and could say that he bore no animosity to anyone. It was a relief to have the contest over, and when one bad won It one felt all the better. — (Laughter and applause.) Cheers were then called for Mr Stead •nd lustily given. Mr McFarlane, who was also well received, said that he could not say that be was altogether pleased that his opponent had been successful in gaining the position. He had, however, the coneolation of knowing that he had always done his duty. During the 35 years he bad been in public life he had done so, and they knew that he had stood in order to do the best he possibly could In their interests. —(Applause.) The contest had been carried out in a very friendly way, but he had thought that the polling would have been heavier. He was sure that Mr Stead would do his best in the interests of the community. He thanked those who had supported bim, and said that he bore no animosity against those who had voted against him. —(Applause.) Mr McFarlane then moved a vote of thanks to the Returning Officer, which was carried by acclamation. Details of the polling were as follows: — Polling Booth. McFarlane. Stead. Infer.

17G9 1747 1501 (1300 1246 1018 982

Totals .. .. 1553 2275 26 Majority lor Stead: 422. TEE NEW COUPNCIL,. The result of the voting for twelve members for the Town Council was announced about 10.30 p.m., but, as is usual, no official declaration was made. The scrutiny of the rolls as prescribed by the Act commenced last night after the results had been announced, and the official announcement will probably be made to-day, as it is necessary that the scrutiny will be completed before the Council meets this evening. The following list shows the result of the election at a glance. The names of the elected candidate are printed in black typo and those of the unsuccessful candidates In lighter type. Of the sitting Councillors Messrs Ott, Bennie, Carswell, Lillicrap, Bain and Baird were successful in securing a renewal of the ratepayers’ confidence. Sitting Councillors defeated were Messrs I. B. Petrie and T. O’Byrne. The names of sitting councillors are marked with an asterisk;—

SUCCESS FIJI. CANDIDATES. John Matheson 3177 *W. A. Ott 2769 *T. D. Lonnie 2751 ♦J. T. Carswell 2646 *J. F. ZilUlcrap 2589 J. K. Martin 2501 J. Stevenson 2352 J. A. Doig - 2326 *A. Bain 2216 S. McDonald 2103 *W. Baird .. 1968 F. W. Freddy ..' 1781 UNSUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES. •E. Sheehan .. .1 .. .. 1769 PL J. Farrant 1747 Turner Smith 1501 •I. L. Petrie .. .. 1390 *T. O’Byme 1246 R. N. Ridd 1018 W. H. Newall 982 •Indicates sitting Councillors. Of the twelve councillors elected, Messrs Ott, Lcnnie, Carswell, Lillicrap, Bain and McDonald were members of the lust Council, and Mr Mcl>onald was a member of a previous Council. Messrs Matheson, Martin, Stevenson, Doig, and Preddy provide the "new blood.” Following the annoucement of the poll, Mr Matheson addressed a large audience. He said that during over thirty years’ residence in Invercargill individually the people had been very kind to him, but that night they had been so kind to him collectively that words failed him to express how grateful he felt. He promised to give his best attention to the affairs of the town, and thanked them again very heartily.— (Applause.) Mr Ott also returned thanks. As in the past he would continue to give his very best services to this growing town. During the past two years they, in common with the rest of the Empire, had been engaged in a fight for freedom, a fight which, ho hoped, would be speedily concluded. But notwithstanding this, the Council during the previous two years had done good work, including the provision of a free reading room. He hoped that during the next two years up-to-date swimming baths would be provided.—(Applause.) Mr Lennie said that naturally he felt very proud, and he took it that his actions had been considered satisfactory. He agreed that Councils in the past had done good work, and when they got twelve points of view focussed on a question at the Council table, they were bound to give satisfaction to the people. He congratulated Mr Matheson on topping the poll. It was unfortunate that the Council had lost tho services of some good men, but some good ones were taking their places. Invercargill had got to progress, and the Council would do its best to see that It did. He agreed with Mr Ott that swimming baths were badly required in Invercargill.— (Applause.) Mr Carswell said that he would do In the future as he had done In the past ir. the interests of the town, and try to give every one a fair deal. He thanked the electors for the renewal of their confidence. Mr Martin, who was received with loud cheers, said that he thought it was the duty of every citizen to offer his services in a public capacity. He trusted that the confidence that had been imposed in him would not be misplaced. Mr Stevenson said that he was very proud that he had been entrusted with the confidence of the electors. He would do all that was in his power to further the interests of the people of Invercargill, and anything of importance would be considered by him thoroughly, and what he would do would be done without prejudice. Mr Doig, who also received a rousing reception, thanked the electors for the honour they had conferred on him. He would do his best in every way to help the people of Invercargill at all times. Mr McDonald thanked the citizens for having again elected him to the position of councillor. He referred to the need for attending to the wants of the suburbs, and said that he vwould do what he could for the whole community. (Applause.) Mr Preddy thanked the electors for the "sport” they had given him that day, and hoped that he would justify their support. Mr Sheehan said that he stood before them as a beaten candidate, but he had very nearly got there. —(Laughter.) He could take a beating, and, if his services were required again, he would place them at their disposal.—(Applause.) Mr Farraxt said that he was a defeated but not a dejected candidate. He was more disappointed for the Labour Party. The Labour candidates that day had fallen together, but their opportunity would come again. The thanked the members of the Labour Representation Committee for their hard work, and hoped that they felt as least dejected as did he. —(Applause.) Mr Smith said that perhaps on some future occasion he would be before them again. Mr Petrie said that, as he had previously stated, no matter what candidates were successful he would congratulate them. He was not at all down-hearted. He had not worked hard enough, not as hard as he should have done. A Voice: Why didn't you sparkle up a Lit? —(Laughter.) Continuing, Mr Petrie said that it seemed to him that the business people of the town had put their heads together in order to return representatives from amongst them, but they would see if that turned out right. Pie had done the best be could for the affairs of Invercargill, had missed no meetings, and

had nothing to regret. He would in fche future, if he so thought, have another shot.—(Laughter.) He hoped they had beep five years on the Town Council, would not be disappointed with the man they had put in his place. Mr O'Byrne, who was received with cheers and questions of "What about the strike?” said that as the whole of the Labour members had not been returned he did not regret his defeat. He and had raised the wages of the work-ing-men, and it was through the Labour Party that there was a free reading-room ir. Invercargill. He regretted that the workers had not rallied round the Labour candidates. Messrs Kidd and Newall also addressed the meeting. HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD. it was after 11.30 p.m. before the result of the election of the Invercargill representatives on the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board was declared, Mr Walker announcing the return of Mrs Cruickshank (a sitting member of the Board), and Miss Birss and Mr Crosby Smith. Mr 1. L. Petrie, who has held a seat on the Board for the past two years was the defeated candidate. The

Totals .. .. 3685 4027 1360 2887 108 BLUFF HARBOUR BOARD. The result of this election was announced simultaneously with that of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. The three sitting members, Messrs A. F. Hawke, C. S. Longuet, and A. Bain were re-elected, Messrs I. L. Petrie and T. O'Byrne suffering rather a severe defeat. After the poll had been declared, Mr Petrie addressed the few persons who were present. Details of the voting are as follow: —

Totals .. 2554 3507 3128 1288 1343 SOUTH INVERCARGILL. MAYORALTY. Votes. John Mitchell .. .. .. .. .. .. 377 S. Me. McMillan 344 COUNCILLORS. —North Ward. — G. Brown .. .. .. .. .. .7 166 A. Cross .. 147 J. Hall 75 •The defeated candidate, M. Thomas, polled 75 votes. —South Ward. — O. Smith 107 G. Holloway 102 W. Murphy 91 The defeated candidate, D. O'Connor, polled 47 votes. —Middle Ward.— W. McChesney .. 213 K. A. Walker 212 A. V. Hofie 200 The defeated candidates were W. Hoche 160, and J. G. McFadzien 132. BLUFF. The following Councillors were declared elected at Bluff;— J. Torrance 250 G. V. Edge 249 W. Hinchey < 225 A. McKenzie.. 224 E. A. Nichol 224 A. Valentine 219 E. Parker , .. 219 J. Walker 217 E. W r . Walker 217 The defeated candidate, M. B. Wlgg, polled 146. The poll was of a record nature, and great interest was shown as to the fesult. Dr Torrance, who headed the poll, io an ex-councillor, but not a member of the retiring Council. Mr G. V. Edge is the free lance who criticised the retiring Council in the press unmercifully. However, although two new candidates headed the poll, all the retiring councillors who sought re-election liave gained a seat. OTHER CENTREa AT CHRISTCHURCH. CONTEST ON CONSCRIPTION ISSUE. (Per United Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, April 25. To-day’s municipal elections were lifted right out of the commonplace by two very significant issues. In the election of Mayor and City Councillors, the Labour ticket had thrown down the gage of anti-conscription and the Citizens’ Association had accepted the challenge, nominating man for man in the struggle. The election therefore was a trial of strength between the anticonscriptionists and the “win-the-war” party. The election also created wide interest as being a bold experiment in proportional representation, Christchurch being the first city in New Zealand to adopt that system of voting. Polling to-day was very heavy. It will be some days, possibly a fortnight, before the final results of the City Council election are known. ANTI-CONSCRIPTIONISTS CRUSHINGLY DEFEATED. CHRISTCHURCH, April 25. For the Mayoralty of Christchurch H. Holland, the retiring Mayor, inflicted a crushing defeat upon J. McCombs, M.P., who stood as an anti-conscriptlonist. There was a very heavy poll. Result:— Holland 12,177 McCombs 5,381 Majority for Holland .. 6796 It will be very late before there is any indication of the City Councillors’ result. In the City Council election J. W. Beanland (Citizens' Association), A. S. Taylor (Citizens’ Association), and D. G. Sullivan (Labour), secured the required quota. H. G. Ell, M.P. (Independent Conscriptionlst), .1. A. Flesher (Citizens’ Association), P’. Burgoyne (Labour), W. Nicholls (Citizens’ Association), J. R. Hayward (Citizens’ Association), and E. J. Howard (Labour), were next in order in the first preference vote. The Labour men were standing as anticonscription ists. RANGIORA, RANGIORA, April 25. Mayoralty:— Jennings 394 Banks 205

WOOLSTON. , CHRISTCHURCH, April 25. Mayoralty:— McGregor Wright 6no C. Hill 303 Wright stood as a conscriptionist and at one time was a prominent AVellington citizen. Hill stood as an anti-conscrip-tionist and labourite. LYTTEI.TOX. CHRISTCHURCH, April 25. Mayoralty:— W. T. Lester 631 Foster 401 .T, ,T. Dougall was defeated for a scat on the Lyttelton Harbour Board. DUNEDIN. DUNEDIN, April 25. City Mayoralty; — Clark (retiring Mayor) . . 5506 Green c -5‘ WESTPORT. PATRIOTIC TICKET WINS EVERY SEAT. WESTPORT, April 25. Great interest was taken in to-day’s elections, which resulted in the Mayor Arthur Leaver (re-elected) 950 Samuel 426 Westport Harbour Board: —(County), G. Griffths, 6817; J. H. Powell, 469. D. J. Williams, chairman of the Board, was defeated. Arthur Leaver 674, and W. T. Slee 6-7, were elected for the town on the Harbour Board. For the Hospital Board, A. C. Cottrell, A. H. Dallaston, and H. Larsen were elected. In the Council, Menzies, Slee, Fair, box, Hillayar, Larsen, McKenzie, Roche, and Williams were elected. The Protestant Patriotic Ticket carried every seat. GREYMOUTH. ANTI-CONSCRIPTIONISTS BAIShY BEATEN. GREYMOUTH, April .25., There was splendid weather for the elections, and one of the heaviest polls ever taken in Greymouth. There was no election for Mayor as J. D. Lynch was returned unopposed. The four issues were:—Nine Councillors: four members of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board; half-holiday question: and referendum on Sunday pictures. The main interest centred on the election of the Council, which has been resolved into a practically straight-out poll on conscription versus anti-conscription. Wednesday half-holiday was carried. ■ Incomplete returns show that labour cannot gain a single seat. Sunday pictures were voted out. The Hospital and Charitable Aid Board returns are incomplete. WANGANUI. WANGANUI, April 25. Mayoral election: — Mackay 2142 Veltch 1233 The half-holiday poll resulted; —Saturday, 1904; Thursday, 1747. NELSON. NELSON, Ap'iH 25. The Mayoral election resulted: — W. W. Snodgrass HB4 W. Lock 1152 WELLINGTON. WELLINGTON, April 25. Mayoralties:— ONSLOW. J. M. Dale 471 C. C. Crump (retiring mayor) 433 LOWER HUTT. Henry Baldwin .. . - .. 720 John Ball 496 PETONE. J. W. McEwan .. 1861 A. Anderson 717 The following Mayors were returned unopposed: Wellington City: J. P. Luke; Karorl: B. G. H. Burn; Eastbourne: P. Levi; Miramar: Fi Townsend. The Hutt and Petone combined district favoured the Saturday half-holiday. TIMARU. , TIMARU, April 25. The Mayoral election resulted:—? J. Mating 2205 W. Angland 890 J. Hurdley . - 141 O AMARU. OAMARU, April 25. Mayoral election: — Robt. Milligan 848 W. H. Frith (retiring Mayor) 495 W. E. Searle 294 BLENHEIM. BLENHEIM, April 25. The Mayoralty resulted: — Corry (retiring Mayor) .. 724 Carr 455

Town Hall No. 1 106 95 1 Town Hall No. 2 106 114 0 Town Hall No. 3 140 102 0 Town Hall No. 4 154 131 8 Town Hall No. 5 194 175 2 Bt. Paul’s School.. 117 161 3 A venal 84 175 0 Gladstone 36 148 0 North In’gill No. 1 127 112 0 North In’gill No. 2 98 76 0 East In’gill .. .. 136 149 2 Mrs England’s 71 98 0 Teviot Street.. .. 96 210 7 Marlat Brothers'. - . 174 108 3 Knox Schoolroom 78 130 D Elies Rd. School., 84 176 0 Georgetown .. .. 52 115 0

details ara as follow: — X O O « c d E m to X >» E H oi T. o "u % o O / o B u H-4 o Town Hall Xo, 1 150 ISO 54 117 6 Town Hall No. 2 171 185 54 139 2 Town Hall No. 3 185 200 80 139 i Town Hall No. 4 245 252 86 169 4 Town Hall No. 5 277 307 115 222 11 Si. Paul's School 220 235 69 190 6 Avenal . . .. 194 228 77 164 5 Gladstone 160 171 36 145 2 N, In'gill No. 1 183 215 65 133 0 N, In'gill No. 2 125 158 48 94 4 East In'gill.. 238 71 169 a Mrs England’s .144 140 28 101 4 Teviot street 245 270 101 185 11 Clyde street.. 227 240 84 152 5 Knox Schoolroom 163 171 49 128 10 Elies road .. 199 220 67 165 4 Georgetown 130 141 34 119 6 P.H., George street 128 135 65 115 7 S.I. Town Hall £21 249 122 157 15 Clifton .. .. 97 112 51 84 0

H 3* X P Polling Booth p H* 6 <1 w 100 6 X 3 W 136 3 to C o 115 V c u >. « b 60 63 T’n Hall No. 2 126 168 141 57 54 T'n Hall No. 3 113 171 159 78 70 T’n Hall No. 4 170 225 192 76 85 T’n Hall No. 5 193 258 223 90 132 St. Paul’s Sch'l 177 231 208 44 55 Avenal .. .. 153 207 164 60 67 Gladstone . . .. 134 174 161 17 32 N. In’gill No. 1 103 169 162 74 71 N. In’gill £s T o. 2 77 118 111 61 50 Hast In’gill 186 215 181 66 68 Mrs England’s 102 122 125 38 30 Toviot street .. 181 245 232 56 113 Clyde street .. 108 183 156 122 81 Knox Sch’lr'm 124 162 161 32 43 Elies road 142 199 144 55 80 Georgetown , . 105 120 110 51 27 P.H., George st. 75 110 112 68 59 S.I. Town Hall 121 198 186 135 119 Clifton 64 96 85 48 44