THE ELECTIONS.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 478, 29 December 1875, Page 3

THE ELECTIONS.

LYTTELTON POLLING. The poll for this seat in the General Assembly was taken yesterday at the Colonists’ Hall. There was considerable excitement during the day, each party working hard for their respective candidate. Mr Aynsley had three vehicles engaged, the last a cart, belonging to Mr Wm. Holmes, being the cause of much fun. Placards describing the merits and demerits of the two candidates were posted over the walls in every direction, and squibs had a large circulation. But though the contest was a tough one, there was little illfeeling shown. At 5 p.m. the returning officer (Dr Donald) announced that he was ready to declare the poll, and the Colonists’ Hall was soon crowded. The Returning Officer declared the following to be the result of the poll: H. P. Murray-Aynsley ... 139 H. R. Webb 107 Majority for Mr MurrayAynsley 32 He had, therefore, to declare Mr MurrayAynsley duly elected. The result was greeted with cheers by Mr Aynsley’s supporters, and that gentleman, on stepping forward to address them, was greeted with loud congratulations. He thanked them for the position in which they had placed him, particularly those who had worked hard for him. They had had a good fight, and now it was over he hoped there would be noill feeling, but that they would all go on in their usual way v ithout being angry with each other. He hoped that those who voted for him and those who voted against him would both find that he would be a useful member for the town of Lyttelton. [Cheers.l Mr Webb came forward amid great applause. He said that for the first time in his life he stood before them as a defeated candidate. He thanked those who had voted for him and his committee for their great exertions. He was sorry that the result was not different, but was glad that during the long time he had represented them he had done things by which they would recollect him. Christmas tine was an awkward time for an election, but he took this opportunity of wishing them all a happy New Year. [Loud cheers.] Mr Aynsley proposed, and Mr Webb seconded, a vote of thanks to Dr Donald, returning officer, and, in so doing, both paid that gentleman deserved compliments This was carried amidst loud applause, and the meeting dispersed in a very orderly manner, NOMINATION FOR HBATHCOTE. The nomination of candidates for the Heathcote district took place this day at the Road Board office, at noon. There was a very good attendance of electors. Mr G. L, Lee, returning officer, having read the writ, called upon some one present to nominate a candidate. Mr Wm. Wilson, in a highly eulogistic speech, proposed Sir J. C. Wilson as a fit and proper person to represent the Heathcote district in the General Assembly. Mr J. P. Jameson seconded the nomination. Mr John Miln proposed Mr James Temple Fisher, remarking that it was necessary now to have men in the Assembly, who would watch very carefully the progress of events. Dr Foster seconded the nomination, giving as his reason for opposing Sir Cracroft the action taken by him in respect to the Board of Education Bill in the General Assembly, *A show of hands was then taken, as follows :

MrJ.T. Fisher 17 Sir C. Wilson 5 Mr Wm. Wilson demanded a poll on behalf of Sir Cracroft Wilson. The Returning Officer said the poll would be taken on January 4th, at the following places :—The schoolrooms, Lincoln, Prebble ton, and Upper Heathcote ; and at the Road Board Office, Ferry road. Neither candidate addressed the electors, and the proceedings then terminated. MR MASKBLL AT ASHLEY. Mr Maskell met the electors of this portion of the district on Monday evening, in the schoolroom. Mr C, S. Houghton presided. Mr Maskell addressed the meeting at some length. In reply to questions, Mr Maskell stated that he was not a supporter of the Permissive Bill, as he despaired of doing much by legislation to modify the evils of intemperance ; his only hope was in education as a co rective. He had never opposed secular edi qation, which he held to be the only eys'em which would suit the country districts i but he did think that it was only fair to subsidise large schools in the centres of i opulation, which were found to furnish ifflcieut instruction quite equal to that

afforded by the State schools, provided these establishments were open to all, and under Government inspection. He favored, and with Mr Andrews alone voted for, an elected Board of Education. He objected to the nominated principle in any administrative body, and instanced the distinct refusal of the chairman of the late Board of Education to furnish explanation of two Items of expenditure, as the results of nominated administration. He knew very little of the Eyreton Railway, and would oppose further expenditure unless it added to the railway revenue as a whole. The broad gauge was doomed. .The narrow was that insisted upon as the colonial gauge. He himself greatly preferred the broad gauge. He was opposed to anything which entailed Sunday work on officials, and objected to the Lyttelton and Christchurch Railway being treated exceptionally. Perhaps it would be a public convenience if a train were run on each line on Sunday, as it would enable those from outlying districts to attend church in the city. An unanimous vote of thanks was returned to Mr Maskell for his address, on the motion of Mr D. Case, seconded by Mr Thompson.