THE GENERAL ELECTION.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LVI, Issue 6491, 16 December 1881, Page 5

THE GENERAL ELECTION.

. CHEVIOT. The official declaration of the Cheviot Poll was mode by Mr B. Foster, Eeturning-Officer, yesterday, at eleven o'clock. He apologised for the absence of Mr A. Saunders, who had been in Amberley on the day previous under a misapprehension. He then said that out of 1465 names on the Cheviot roll, 869 persons had voted, 16 of which were informal votes. 606 had not voted, of whioh number a great many were duplicates and several -were absentees. Ifc was a fact that their roll was in a bad state, but he must say that the fiegistra-tion-Offloor, who resided at a remote corner of the district, had not had a fair opportunity of effecting the division between the Ashley and Cheviot rolls, and consequently a great many mistakes had ooonrred. He regretted this, but the fact was that the electors themselves were more to blame than anyone, as they should take care to sea that their names are properly put on the rolL He hoped that before another election took place, the roll would be in a better condition. He then declared the result of the poll as follows MTlraitb 859 Saunders 838 Fendall 147 And farther declared Mr Hugh M'llraith duly elected by a majority of 21, member for Cheviot Electoral District in the ensuing Parliament. Mr M'llbaith, who was well received on rising, said he begged moat sincerely to thank them for placing him in snob a proud position, one that any man might well be proud of. He was fully aware of the responsibility the result of the election had placed on his shoulders, and he should try to act fairly and uprightly. (Hear, hear.) He was sure that those who bad not voted for him would now help him In his duties by acquainting him with the requirements of the district. He was not going to detain them with a long speech, though there were many things he should have liked to address them on. He again expressed his thanks for their confidence in him. (Cheers.) Mr Fund all said he had to thank those who voted for him for their support. Though his name was low down on the list, he felt sure that if all those who had promised him their support had accorded it, be should have been returnedj but he supposed that, seeing how things were going, they had to support Mr M'llraith, and no doubt, under the ouroumstanees, they had done wisely. He had always endeavoured to do his best for the dis* triot, and would continue to do so, and if the ratepayers wished at any future time to avail themselves of the services of f local man, he should be happy to serve them, but if they E referred some one else he should cheerfully ow to their deoition. Mr M'llbaith moved a vote of thanks to the Returning • Officer for the impartial manner in whioh ho had conducted the elections, which, being seconded by Mr Fendall, was duly carried and acknowledged. (BY TELEGRAPH.) Cambridge, dm. i 5. The declaration, of the poll for the Western Maori electoral district took place here to day as followsTo Whooro 22* Mocgakahia *2B Mita Baraka W. Hughes 75 Te Wheoro was declared duly elected. None of the candidates were present. NAPIER, Dxc. 16. The declaration of the poll for the East Maori district took place to-day as folTomoana 292 Rodgers 787 Wi Peri fl|o Ngata *BB