ELECTION OF MAYOR.

Cromwell Argus, Volume I, Issue 37, 27 July 1870, Page 5

ELECTION OF MAYOR.

Last Thursday was the polling-day for the election of a citizen as Mayor of Cromwell for the year ending 31st July 1871. The contest excited a very great amount of interest, not only in the minds of the ratepayers, but throughout the entire community. Cromwell was “ out for a Holiday,” and never within our experience has there been a municipal election in Otago which has been characterised by greater zeal or more vigorous canvassing on both sides. When the ballot-box containing the voting-papers from , Kawaran Ward was removed from the Cromwell Hotel to the Council Chamber, the excitement reached its highest pitch. An eager assemblage waited in front of the Council Chamber to hear the declaration of the poll, and a strong inclination to bet on the result was manifest among the crowd. Shortly after four o’clock Mr Goodger made his appearance at the outer door of the Chamber, and announced the reault to be— Smitham 4d Goodger 29 Majority for Smitham 17 He therefore declared Mr William Smitham to be duly elected Mayor of Cromwell for the ensuing municipal year. (Cheers.) He trusted that the election of Mr Smitham would be productive of good results to the people of Cromwell, and concluding by thanking the ratepayers who had voted for himself. (Applause.) Mr Smitham said he hardly knew how to express his thanks to the ratepayers tor returning him by such a Large majority. He might say that his whole energies would be devoted to the interests, not only of the town, but also of the outlying districts j for if these prospered, the town would likewise prosper. •It would be his aim to endeavour to retain the confidence of the citizens, and he trusted that at the expiration of his term of office they would have no reason to regret their choice. He tendered his sincere thanks to the electors for the honour they had conferred upon him. (Loud cheers.) Mr Barry said that although he had opposed the election of Mr Smitham, he believed that gentleman would do all he had promised ; and if Mr Smitham gave satisfaction during his term of office, ho (Mr Barry) would vote for him next election. (Cheers.) Still, he thought that a better man than Mr Goodger—who had filled the office for the List twelve months —could not be found in CromwelL The proceedings then terminated.