The Borough Elections.

Manawatu Herald, 30 April 1903, Page 2

The Borough Elections.

FOXTON. Very much interest was taken in the polling yesterday and every candidate did his best to get supporters up to the poll, and traps were being driven over the whole district to give a free drive to those possessed of votes. Being a beautifnl day these tactics were much approved of and the vehicles were well patronised, making the poll a record one for the borough, as 301 recorded their votes, and it is pleasing to find that though nine membees had lo be selected out of twelve names there were only two informal votes, so that we may credit the inhabitants upon thoroughly understanding the ballot. Much speculation was shown during the day in canvassing the candidate who would be placed at the top of the

poll, and three names were constantly mentioned as being most likely, they being Messrs Symons, Goley and Austin, and as it turned out but a few votes separated the contestants, as Austin polled 327, Symons 324, and Coley 2x4. One other feature in’ the election was the high place gained by Mr Stiles, he being fourth. Everything was conducted most orderly and in the best of spiritt, sAd it may fairly be said that tbe elemton every way was a credit to the town. The poll closed, at seven o’clock and Mr Alf. Fraser, the Returning Officer, declared the result at 9.15 p.m., as follows • 0. Austin ... . ... 237 \ J. Symons ... ... 224 G. Coley ... ... 214 G. Stiles ... ... 193 J. Walsh ... ... 184. T. Westwood... . .... 175 S. H. Baker ... ... 172 B. Gower ... ... 170 A. Speirs ‘ ... 156 Who were declared elected. The other members being— A. Cook ... ... 143 G. Simpson ... * '..i 132 W. Hamer .. 80 Informal ... 2 All the candidates, with the 'exception of Messrs Gower and Hamer, briefly returned thanks. ' In another column some of the new Councillors thank .the burgessfes for their support.