BOROUGH ELECTION

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1944, 14 September 1888, Page 3

BOROUGH ELECTION

The trennial election of throo Borough Councillors took place yesterday, the gentleman nominated being Messers Jas Keir, D. Williamson, 0. Reid and D. McFarlane. Messrs Williamson and Eoid had both been members of the Council, but neither Mr Keir, nor Mr McFarlane had previously been elected to civic honors. A great denl of interest was taken m the contest, and aotive canvassing was dene, with the result that a large number of /votes were recorded. A considerable 1 amount of wagering took place as to the re- ' suit. There was a large assemblage at the Borough offices m the evening to hear the result of he poll and a few minutes after seven o'clock, Mr C. E. Fooks, the returning ofiioor read our the numbers as follows : — D. McFarlane IGO Jas. Keir . . . . . . 138 1). Williamson 125 C, Reid 120 He declared Messrs MoFarlane, Keir, and Williamson elected. Tho announcement of the result was received with cheers. Mr McFarlane expressed his thanki fc ) the burgesses for the confidence they had put m him, as shown by the faot of his be^ng placed at the head of tho poll. He would always aot m what he considered the best way for tho interest of the ratepayers, and his voice would always be raised against all that m his opinion threatened the welfare of tho Borough. Ho desired to return thanks on behalf of Mr Keir who was at the present time absent m Melbourne. Mr Reid, who was the only other candida'e present, thanked those of the ratepayers who had recorded their votes m his favor. He had not canvassed for a single vote ; if he had ho felt sure the result would have been different. He also desired to thank those who had not voted for him, because it was a great deal better, as far as his personal interest was concerned, that bo should not have a seat m the Council. A vote of thanks to the returning offloer brought the proceedings to a olose.