THE ELECTIONS.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 144667, 29 April 1915, Page 6

THE ELECTIONS.

NEW PLYMOUTH. The climatic conditions were anything but favourable for a heavy poll at New Plymouth and the steady downpour of rain deterred many electors from going to the booths and recording their rotes. Hud the weather been favourable there would undoubtedly have been a record poll, for keen interest had been viroused in the weekly half-holiday question. Mr. F. T. Bellringer (town cler!o acted as returning officer, and his arrangements were exceedingly satisfactory. The booths closed at 7 o’clock, and at 7.30, by which time the, rain had ceased, a largo crowd began to assemble in the vicinity of the Old Drill Hall, Kawau Street, which had been used as the principal polling booth. THE MAYORALTY. MR. WILBON RE-ELECTED. BY SUBSTANTIAL MAJORITY. The first returns gave details of the voting for the Mayoralty at the principal booth, these being announced shortly before. 8 o’clock, and showing that Mr. Wilson, the retiring Mayor, had a lead of over 250 votes. A few minutes later the returns, from a number of the outlying booths were announced, and -although in one or two instances Mr. Browne secured a. majority of votes. Mr. - Wilson hadisubstantially increased his lead,, and ' when shortly before 5.30 the Anal figures were known heyhad a majority of 3po. The details were as follows: Booth. ■ Browne. "Wilson. Central .v,i 388 " 609 Fitzrdv : 127 69 East End 180. 213 West End 16 116. Vogeltowu 74 20 Westown 23 16 Frankleigh Park ,28 6. St. Aubyu 46 131 Moturoa • 11 34 Totals * I SS3 ' • , 1203 Twenty votes were informal. 1 mayor returns thanks. Mr.. Wilson, addressing the crowd, said he wished to thank the electors for having done him the honour of; returning him again as Mayorxrf He felt that it was an hour to be we, turned to assist, in carrying out the very important works which the borough was now engaged in. He expressed "disappointment that the poll Tiaß not been heavier, duly about 2000 votes having been recorded out of about 500,0 electors on, the roll. H.e had- hoped that with the keen interest in other matters, that were before the burgesses they would have had such a poll aS had 'never been seen before iu New Plymouth. Still he was grateful to those who had taken such an interest in the contest til have come . forward ‘oh such an unfavourable day to record their votes in his favour. 1 It was particularly gratifying to him in view of the important works in- hand to find that he had the confidence of the majority of those ■burgesses of the town who took sufficient interest iu public matters to come forward to record their votes. He extended his thanks to those who had been good enough to busy themselves on his behalf whilst the election had been in progress. Continuing, his 'Worship said they had heard a 'good deal about the condition of the. borough during the past two or three months, but lie would emphasise the fact that there 'was nothing which need, cause them anv alarm. They bad a town which he was firmly convinced was going to grow into one of the biggest in New Zealand—-a town which was possessed of a splendid seaport, and backed bv a counter which he felt was second to none. Therefore they may have the utmost confidence in the town. . He was particularly pleased that ho was to preside over the council’ which had recently been elected, ft was true there was no great competition for the seats on the "council, but still they had got together a very practical dozen of men and as he had said he felt pleased indeed that it was to be his privilege to preside over ■ their deliberations. In conclusion, his V nrslrip remarked that tli, l election so far as he was concerned had.been carried on without any personal feeling. Mr. * Browne privately was a vorv good frirnd of his and lift hoped this friendship would continue. Mr. Browne had had to take, second place, but still be was a man who had done the town very good service. * Af the call of the Mayor, three hearty cheers were given for. Mr., Browne. MR. BROWNE’S THANKS. Mr. Browne said he wished to thank those electors who had recorded their votes in his favour, and reiterated the words of the Mayor when he said the contest had been honourably carried out. There had not been, the slightest feeling and he hoped the friendship whiclvhacl existed between thorn in the past would always continue. He expressed regret that the poll had not been heavier. It was particularly disappointing that only about 2000 votes should have been recorded out of about 5000. Although he had been defeated he said they would always find him taking the greatest interest in anything affecting the welfare and • progress of the Borough of New Plymouth. Ha concluded: by calling tor cheers for Ins Worship. HALF-HOLIDAY QUESTION. THURSDAY RETAINED. The result of the poll re the halfholiday was next made known, the details iioiug as follow;.:--Saturday. Thursday. Central -HO 523 Filz.roy 66 I} 1 East End INI West End i‘ . Vogeltowu 52 ■ ’ •39 Westown 5 35 Frankleigh Park... 16 IS St. Aubyn 88 84 Moturoa 13 21 1134 867 Sixteen rotes wera recorded iu favout of days other, than Thursday of; Saturday. and there were 60 informal votes,