PROVINCIAL COUNCIL ELECTION.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 452, 14 January 1869, Page 2

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL ELECTION.

MR M'DOWELL RETURNED. Yesterday was the day upon which a poll was taken in connection with the election of a member for Westport in the Nelson Provincial Council. The two gentlemen who were nominated were Mr James M'Dowell and Mr John S. Crate. Mr M'Dowell is at present resident in Westport, and there was a general belief from the first that he would bo returned without difficulty. Mr Crate usually resides in Nelson, and he had only "halfconsenting, consented" to his nomination. His absence, and the feeling that Mr M'Dowell was certain to be returned, made those who are his friends more indifferent than they would otherwise have been, but it will be seen that there were some votes recorded for him. The official declaration of the poll will be made at the Court-house at half-past ten this forenoon, and we believe that the following will then be stated as the result of the polling at the three different polling places:— M'Dowell Crate. Westport ... 48 ..... 10 Caledonian ... 25 ... 15 Addison's ... 4 ... 2

Total ... 77 ... 27 Mr M'Dowell has therefore been returned by a majority of 50 votes. In town there was no excitement over theevent—no placards or "squibs" such as are usual on electioneering occasions; and the proceedings at the Caledonian and at Addison's would, no doubt, be characterised by a still slighter exhibition of public feeling. The only incident which, in town, occurred to disturb people's equanimity was an unfortunate " scene" in which a police-officer and a citizen were the participators, and the merits of which will be heard this morning at the Resident Magistrate's Court. Dr Giles officiated as Returning Officer at Westport, and his deputies were Mr Winstanley at Addison's Flat, and Mr J. Braithwaite at the Caledonian Terrace.