CHRISTCHURCH.

Lyttelton Times, Volume V, Issue 295, 29 August 1855, Page 5

CHRISTCHURCH.

(Fro.n our Oonespoiuiei t) On Friday last, Messrs. Brittan »nci Tancred were ve-elected, the former Jbr the town of Chiistclnuch, the latter for the Country District,

without opposition. The vacancies it will be remembered were occasioned by the acceptance of office by these gentlemen under the Provincial Government. Those of us who have been accustomed to the bustle and excitement of an ordinary election at home, would have smiled at the scene of Friday. Twelve o'clock was the ho nrappointed by the Sheriff for the nomination, but at that hour there were to be seen only the candidates, the proposer of one, and the seconders of both; while the worthy gentleman, deputed to act as the Sheriffs substitute, was patiently walking to and fro, apparently anxiously looking for the wondering crowd. But the crowd came not; and, as the inward monitor gave warning of the approach of a far more interesting event in the day's history, it was resolved to proceed to the business for which the meeting had been convened. A tub, turned upside down, with a board from a neighbouring1 smithy, made a capital hustings for the nonce. Mr. Richard Packer then read the authority by which he acted as deputy returning1 officer, and having- pone through the customary preliminary business, called upon the electors to propose a candidate to fill the vacancy for the town of Christchurcii: whereupon, Mr. Field came forward, and, in a few brief but complimentary words, proposed Jos. BHiTTA>-,Esq., as a f\l and proper person to do so. He alluded to the fact of his having discharged this duty when Mr. Brittan first sought the suffrages of (he electors. It was more pleasing1 now that he (Mr. Brittan) having been tried, was not found wanting ; but bad so fully realised their expectations in his care of the public interest, that His Honor had thought fit to confer upon him the honourable office of Provincial Secretary. Mr. C. W. Bishop said, for the same reasons, he had the pleasure to second the nomination of Mr. Brittan. No other candidate appearing, Mr. Brittan was then declared elected. The Returning Officer then read the precept for the election of a member for the Christchurcii Country District, Mr. Thomson M.P.C, then advanced to propose H. J. Taucred, Esq., to fill the vacancy. He said he had a far more pleasing duty toperform than when lie last had to appear before them. Then it was to assert his own claims ; now it was to put forth those of a gentleman who had zealously and most ably discharged his duties to the public, and who almost without intermission laboured for the promotion of every interest in the settlement since be had formed one of its body. It was not to be wondered at, hut was rather a causeof personal satisfaction, that His Honor had thought fit to call upon such a gentleman to aid him in his counsels. He believed they had at last found good mpn and true for the discharge of those public duties; and therefore it was that he had the highest satisfaction in proposing that H. J. Tancred, Esq., be re-elected to fill the vacancy which had been created by his acceptance of office. Mr. Le Flejiixg (who was quite inaudible) seconded the nomination. No other candidate being forthcoming, the Returning Officer theu declared that H. J. 'fancied, Esq., was duly elected as a member for the Christchurcb Country District. Both these gentlemen having very briefly made their ackuowlemeuts for the honours conferred upon them, and a vote of thanks having been carried by acclamation to Mr. E. Packer the Deputy Returning Officer, the meeting separated. °