POLLING DAY.

West Coast Times, Issue 350, 6 November 1866, Page 2

POLLING DAY.

The election of yesterday caused more excitement in town thun we ever noticed on any former occasion, as the partizans of both gentlemen discovered the greatest activity in ennvaxsing, the friends of Mr Cass'U-- especially leaving no stone unturned to secure their man. As the closing hour of the pull drew nigh, a large crowd .assembled in front of the Court House, and at a few minutes after four o'clock the result of the day's polling was announced by placaid and it was found that Mr Cassius was victorious, the numbers being— Cassius l * J Shaw 88 Majority 41 This was received by ■ cheers and counter cheers, and shouts for the successful candidate to show himself. , Accordingly Mr Cassius mounted the plitfonn, and when the noise had somewhat subsided said that indeed he could hardly express the gratification he felt at the proud position he that day occunied. It was the more unexpected as he had not pushed himself forward ; the honor was in fact thrust upon him ; and as his supporters had compelled him to stand— much against his. will — he certainly thought that the least they could do was to return him. He considered that he was placed there that day to show that other persons besides editors and proprietors of the West Coast Times were considered competent, to represent the town of Hokitika, and moreover it ( was necessary that the class to which he belonged should be especially represented. Mr Cassiu* promised to give iris, undivided attention to the new duties that had devolved upon him, and concluded by again thanking the electors tor their support. (Cheers.) Mr Shaw, on coming forward, was received wirh loud cheers and cries of derision from the opposite party. He said that in his opinion the members of this community wt-re under tin obligation to him, for if he had not come forward they would not have elected so good a mm as Mr Cassius. He (Mr Shaw) was obliged ti> the gentlemen who had voted for him, and if the town was ever in need of his services, right glad should he be to proffer them. He hardly anticipated a return, as a very strong party had formed to oppose him, * viz., that wealthy and influential class the merchants, who had succeeded in sending in one of their body. He (Mr Sliaw) had used no undue influence to assure his return, and was sorry that as much could not be sal! for the bthei si.le, who hVI not scrupled to use the names of gentlemen without the slightest authority for so doing ; one fuet, however, was uorth a bu-hel of theories, and he would, therefore, read a letter from Mr Roberts, of the Bank of New Zealand. The purport of this letter was that that gentleman begged to assure Mr Shaw of his deep regret that his (Mr Roberts') name should have appeared on the committee-list of Mr Cassius. as it was inserted there entirely without his knowled»e or con-ent. (Cries of " shame," and groans.) Mr Shaw concluded by regretting that Mr Cassius was not a man likely to push his way in the House, as the present session was likely to be short, and therefore prompt action was absolutely necessary to benefit Hokitika. Mr Shaw again thanked the gentleman who had supported him, and retired amidst great applause. The assemblage then dispersed without 1 further demonstration.