THE MAYORAL ELECTION.

Colonist, Volume XLV, Issue 10407, 13 May 1902, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE MAYORAL ELECTION.

MR. HENRY BAIGENT REELECTED.

. The contest between Mr Henry regent, the present Mayor, and Councilor Piper for the position of Mayor for the ensuing year was concluded on April 30 in favor of Mr Baigent. Both candidates had strong supporters, who hard in the interests of their respective men, but the proceedings were of the most orderly character, so much so that a considerably smaller poll than was actually recorded was anticipated. Last year in the contest between Mr Baigent and Mr Trask 1466 votes were cast, 'Mr Baigent receiving 802, and Mr Trask 664. At that time the election of the new Council proceeded simultaneously, and swith the large number of candidates bringing voters to the poll the number was naturally in excess of what of what wonld result from a poll taken under the circumstances of the present election. Therefore, though there are now a larger number of electors on the roll, a poll of 1091 must be regarded as satisfactory. A new departure was made last evening in announcing the result of the poll at the Provincial Hall, the increased accommodation for those who were naturally anxious to know the result being much appreciated. , Punctually at eight o'clock Mr A. E. Moore announced the result asj follows: — Henry Baigent - • • • 724 Jesse Piper . . . . ... . 367 Majority for Mr Baigent 357 There was not an informal v.ote cast, and a scrutiny of the votes recorded at each, polling place revealed that with extraordinary, consistency Mr Baigent had polled as near as possible two votes to his opponents one at each booth. The figures are as follows : — Baigent. Piper Council Chamber . . 499 250 Provincial Hall „ 161 84 Port Hall .. ..64 33 724 367

The resuiv^^as received with continued applaud which was repeated as Mr Baigent asCnded the platform to express his thanK> He, said that he was deeply gratified at the result of the election, but (ironically) at the same time somewhat surprised after his being charged with wasting their money and raising the rates. He felt the more gratified because not only himself, but the majority of the Councilors, had been accused of allowing things to drift, and recklessness. He was sure, that they had been as careful as possible, and endeavored to do as much as possible in the way of making the amount available do what was required. Most of those present would have read the figures published by him in the papers, and if these were studied in a rational way they should convince that the Council had been most economical. The expenditure on the road roller had not been incurred by the present Council, it was incurred during Mr Harley's term of office as Mayor, but it had been paid for last year. This was an asset-, however, and a good asset. The road sprinkler , ana repairs to the tramway line were also assets and permanent improvements. But for this extraordinary expenditure the Council would have kept within its means. He would not take up more time beyond referring to what he con- ; sidered the two most essential i requirements in a town, and they were water and drainage The citizens had approved a scheme for improved 1 water supply, but drainage was urgently needed. (Loud applause). There was. unfortunately, an amount of sickness'in the town that almost amounted' to an epidemic, and a causa was naturally sougnt, and in such cases usually ascribed to insanitary conditions some where. He had just heard of the death of one well known citizen, and it moved him to say that if the ratepayers had to pay £40,000 for a scheme and it saved only one such life it would be worth it. (Loud applause. ) The Council, he was assured,-, were determined that •the ratepayers should have placed before them a scheme prepared by an eminent engineer, a scheme which he hoped to see carried out on the latest and most perfect system, so that it would stand for all time. (Applause) He 'could not say more on this matter till the matter was further developed Speaking of himself, he said that the ,past year hac been a hard one for hjm, and he had had some troubles which had not beset former Mayors To mention one or two of these -there was the absence of a City Surveyor, during which time fully one-third of his time had been devoted jo city work, and at the time the various improvement schemes were before the people he had as many as three and four meeting a day to attend, in one instance live. Kegarding the officers Of the Council he could only say that he did not think, as/a whole, they could well be bettered in the Town Clerk and his assistant, they had two men whom he was \m re, could not be bettered in the polony. (Applause.) Kegarding the ?-ates, they had been fixed the day b« ore, and could not be raised durjldg the year unless a special loan levied. In conclusion, he thknked the citizens for their confidence, which -he hoped would not i*.. any way be violated by him during his term. (Loud, applause. ) / After //pause Mr Moore called upon Mff Piper, but that gentleman not beip-g present, Mr Baigent mored the usu al vote of »thanks to the Returning Officer, which was carried witb'acclamation.

/Ihe Motueka Mayoral Election. — *Qur own correspondent advises us i/hatMrJ. Stuart Wratfc has been elected Mayor of Motueka, .the PoU•'ine being Mr Wratt 126 votes. Mr W. J Mpffatt 92 votes, majority for Mr Wratt 34. Theie were two informal papers.