THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

Cromwell Argus, Volume 2, Issue 90, 1 August 1871, Page 6

THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

NOMINATION OF COUNCILLORS. The nomination of candidates to fill tho vacancies caused by the retirement of Councillors Whetter and Dagg, took place in tho Council Chamber at noon on Thursday last, — the Mayor (Mr Smitham) presiding. The nomination papers wore read by the Town Clerk, as follow : Bridge Ward.—Mr Michael Fraer, proposed by Mr 6. W. Goodgor and seconded by Mr J. Harding. Kawarau Ward.—Mr Wm. Shanly, proposed by Mr E. Lindsay and seconded by Mr R. Kidd. Mr Michael Connellan, proposed by Mr W. H. Whetter and seconded by Mr W. J. Barry. Mr Fraer being the only candidate brought forward for the representation of Bridge Ward, the Mayor declared him to be duly 'elected. Mr Shanly was then called upon to address tho ratepayers. Ho said that, if returned for Kawarau Ward, he would to tho best of his ability endeavour to promote the welfare of the town of Cromwell, and would be happy to co-operate with the Mayor and the other Councillors in working out any scheme that would tend to the general advancement of the district. If a better man than himself could be found to represent the ratepayers in the Council, he was prepared to make room for him ; but he thought no such person had como forward on that occasion. His most material interests were firmly rooted in Cromwell, where he had decided to remain for a lifetime. For his own sake, therefore, even were he actuated by no other motive, he would bo impelled to do his best for the welfare of the place. But other motives besides interested ones would guide him in dealing with matters affecting the welfare of the ratepayers : ho had been identified with Cromwell from its earliest settlement: the town had grown up, as it were, under his own observation, and with, in some measure, his assistance. Therefore, all these circumstances combined to make him anxious that the town should continue to advance and improve. To this end he would, if elected, honestly and faithfully devote his best energies.—ln reply to a question put by Mr Barry, the candidate said he had no intention of going Home : he had a sufficient stake in the district to prevent his leaving it readily. Several other questions having been put and replied to, Mr Shanly said, in conclusion, that his election rested entirely with the ratepayers : if they approved of him, and he was returned, he would bo found a zealous and trustworthy representative. Mr Connellan remarked that he, too, held a large interest in tho district: he was not one of those who would be here to-day and away to morrow. He was well and, he believed, favourably known to many of those present, and to the ratepayers in tho Ward generally; and if they deemed him worthy of looking after the municipal good of Cromwell, he felt sure such a view would not be an erroneous one. Any trust devolving upon him would bo carefully attended to. He had the beneficial improvement of the town at heart; and, if elected, would do his uttermost to prove that their confidence had not been misplaced. A show of hands was taken, which resulted as follows :—Shanly, 10 ; Connellan, 2. Mr Connellan demanded a poll, which was fixed to take place to-day (Tuesday, August 1). Mr Fraer, in returning thanks, said that his unopposed return showed that he had acquired tho confidence of the ratepayers. At the request of the leading men in the Ward, ho had come forward to represent the interests of the Municipality generally, and he would devote his best energies to the progression of the town. Cromwell, he thought, was entitled to hold a first-class place among the Otago municipalities. With regard to a water supply for the town, he was prepared to support such measures as would be best adapted to afford an abundance of pure and clean water ; he thought a premium might be given to the person who produced the most feasible and practicable scheme for this purpose. He had heard it mentioned that a third Ward was necessary, and he quite coincided with the proposal. The matter was one which ought to be brought before the Municipal Council, and they should be urged to memorialise the Superintendent respecting it. Ho was of opinion that Cromwell should bo made the mail terminus from Dunedin instead of Clyde ; for a great public benefit would be conferred upon the Cromwell district, while, at the same time, it could not in any way be hurtful to the interests of Clyde. If a petition bearing upon this matter were got up, and signed by tho residents of the Cromwell, Wakatip, and Mount Ida districts, ho believed it would be favourably considered by the Government. The bridle-track to Quartz Reef Point was a work of great importance, and ho should eudeavour to get it begun as soon as possible. There were many other things in connection with the district which ho would not take up their time by dwelling upon ; but he could assure them he would do his best to deserve their confidence. Ho again thanked them for the honour they had conferral on him.

Messrs ,T. A. Pkebhaw and I. Wright were again re-elected Auditors for the ensuing year.

A vote of thanks to the Mayor, Mr W. Smitham, for his valuable services in the Municipal Chair during the past, year terminated the proceedings.