BOROUGH ELECTION

Te Aroha News, Volume XXXIX, Issue 6334, 28 April 1923, Page 8

BOROUGH ELECTION

VOTE 0E CONFIDENCE

MB SELL&.BS TOPS THE POLL

It was no doubt due to the inclement weather that prevailed on Wednesday forenoon that caused a reduction in the number of votes compared with the polling of 192!, Nevertheless, the two polling booths were kept busy and a keen interest was taken in the election. Eleven candidates took part in the oontesfc, and of these seven were members of the retiiing council. Eight vacancies were to be filled, and it was hoped generally that on account of the good work accomplished during the term, all the sitting members offering would be returned, with the additional member to fill the vacancy caused by the retirement of Or. A. B. Hinton. And so it oame to pass, for all seven were re-elected, with Mr Samuel Sellars, a man of practical experience, and who headed the poll, being the chosen new member.

—Mayoralty— R. Coulter, returned unopposed. —Councillors—*S, Sellars 731 *G. Hedge 702 *Ada M. Gordon ... 643 # J. R. Nicol... ... 614 *V. G. Hamilton ... 595 *J. W. Ritchie 577 *D. McMahon 576 *E, A, Bruce 528 A. H. Caudwell 505 0. H. Stephenson 418 W. J. Moore 197 —Returning Thanks — A large crowd had assembled outside the Borough Chambers, and when the results were made known His Worship the Mayor (Mr R. Coulter) mounted the platform, which had been erected for the occasion, and first of all thanked the burgesses for returning him unopposed to the Mayoralty. He then publicly thanked the old council for the manner in which it had worked with him, and for the real good team work that marked its term. The council’s finances, unlike two years ago, were now in a sound position, and such as to assure the ratepayers of good work being carried out during the ensuing two years. Referring to the election> he said he felt proud of the fact that the elecrors had signified their confidence in the last council by returning the seven sitting members who offered themselves for re-election He then congratulated the candidates on their election, and Or. Sellars on being returned at the top of the poll. He desired to publicly express his appreciation for the support accorded him during the last term by Or. Hedge, who possessed a full knowledge of council work, being the oldest councillor in office. All the candidates then returned thanks, were all accorded a great ovation.

LAST ELECTION The polling for councillors last election was:— *J. Willis 545 *G. Hedge 537 *Ada M. Gordon ... 508 *A. B. Hinton ... 594 *V. G. Hamilton ... 569 # H. W. Gifford ... 461 *J. W. Ritchie ... 448 *E A. Bruce ... 423 D.McMahon... ... 414 A. J. Burrows ... 309