THE ELECTION.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XV, Issue 4542, 13 December 1881, Page 2

THE ELECTION.

DECLARATION OF THE POLL.

The official declaration of the poll at the recent election of a member for this district, was made at noon to-day from the hustings, by Mr G. W. Woon, Returning Officer. About 100 persons were present, including many prominent supporters of both candidates. Mr Woon read the declaration repuired,by the 43rd section of the " Regulation of Elections Act," anuouncing the numbers to be Watt, William Hogg 397 Ballance, John 393 and declared Mr Watt to be duly elected, Mr Watt then came forward and stated that he need hardly say that it gave him great pleasure to be there that day. He thanked his supporters for their exertions in putting him at the head of the poll. When he was nominated he scarcely himself expected such a result, but he-felt that rather than see Wanganui disfranchised he would run the risk of a defeat. He held it to be duty of everyone who had the interest of New Zealand at heart to support the present Ministry which had done so much not only to restore the prestige of the colony in the Mother Country but also within the Colony itself. This feeling appeared to be general throughout New Zealand, and it must be gratifying to the Ministry to feel that they had the support of the people To himself, the election was particularly pleasing, because it was the restoration of the confidence formerly reposed in him, and he pledged himself to do everything that was for the good of New Zealand at large, and the interests of his constituents in particular. He did not intend to make a long speech, but would only say that one incident in the contest was gratifying— the verdict met with general approval from Weilirgton to Tararaki. He himself had received numerous congratulations, aud they could see from the papers how highly satisfied were the different polling places with the result. He again thanked them for their confidence, and could assure them that nothing should be wanting on his part to repay them for it. Three cheers were given for Mr Watt, and the numerous little groups in Market Square, after remaining fora few minutes to discuss the political outlook, slowly dispersed.