THE MAYORALTY.

Cromwell Argus, Volume V, Issue 245, 21 July 1874, Page 5

THE MAYORALTY.

Much wonderment filled the minds of the majority of the citizens until almost the very hoar of the nomination on Thursday last, as to who were to be proposed for the office of Mayor for the ensuing municipal year ; indeed, it was thought extremely doubtful whether there would be a candidate proposed at all, to say nothing of a contest for the honour. However, things were not quite so bad as this. Two gentlemen were induced to come forward, each, as they stated, at the eleventh hour.

A considerable number of persons assembled at the Town Hall at the hour advertised as that of nomination. The Mayor having taken the chair, the Town Clerk read the nominations, which were as follows : Mr James Dawkins, proposed by Mr Owen Pierce, seconded by Mr 0. F. Johnson ; and Mr D. A. Jolly, proposed by Mr W. H. Whetter, and seconded by Mr Thomas Heron. There being more than one candidate, the Mayor declared all further proceedings adjourned until Tuesday, July 21, (to-day,) when a poll would be takon. Mr Dawkins then vacated the chair,'and for the purpose of hearing a few words from the candidates, the meeting voted Or Wright to the post of upholder of order and decorum, a duty in the proper, performance of which he was oeeasioueri no little trouble at intervals.

Mr Da"Av«.s> .bavins; briefly stated his reasons for again soliciting the honour at the hands of the ratepayers, was " put through the mill" by several gentlemen present, who questioned him at considerable length on the Block IX.- question mainly. Occasionally the questioners ran foul of each other, and rambled off into amusing personalities on their own account, and then, of course, the Chairman had gravely to interfere. It being perfectly in order to question the candidate, Mr Dawkina apparently had to stand the brunt of the wrong humours of the questioners. This he did very good-naturedly, and yet with firmness and consistency. One question, however, though put with no such intention, rather destroyed his balance of mind. He was asked whether, in the event of being elected, he would see that the earthcloset system was carried out. On an explanation to the that ho was not required to promise personal inspection ihe matter, ho intimated his willingness to do his utmost towards having the bye-law of the Council enforced.

Mr Jolly then addressed those present, and gave his views with reference more particularly to the Water and Block IX. questions. The proceedings then terminated.