MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3763, 25 April 1907, Page 3

MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

The Mayoral and Council elections of 1907 are now numbered with those of the past. The local election of a mayor and nine councillors brought out two aspirants for the former position, Mr B. G. Gower, the sitting mayor, and Cr A. E. Shadbolt, and there were 13 nominations for nine seats on the Council, including seven ex-coun-cillors, all of whom were re-elected, and six new aspirants. There were 536 names on the voters’ list, but only 368 burgesses recorded their votes. Last election, with 447 electors on the list, 348 persons recorded their votes. Yesterday’s counter attractions were apparently responsible for the absence of many. Shortly after the poll opened vehicles commenced to bring voters to the booth, but up to midday only a little over 100 had recorded their votes. In the afternoon the town was almost deserted, nearly everyone attending the Besses o’ th’ Barn performance, and many had gone to the Palmerston races. From five o’clock to closing lime the majority recorded their votes. Much speculation was indulged in as to who would occupy the Mayoral chair, Mr Gower had been “ lying low,” and many of his supporters began to feel anxious on his behalf. However, about half-an-hour after the closing of the polls, it was announced that he had been returned by a majority of 41. A tremendous wait then ensued for the Council returns. The monotony was broken by stump speeches at intervals from Mr “ Billy ” Collins, who bemoaned an accident to his faithful dog and protested against a prohibition order taken out against him, etc. A dog fight also created a little excitement, and good natured banter was indulged in up till nearly midnight when the. returns were made public. The following is the details of the vriHticr

The first mentioned nine were declared duly elected, and the result was received with cheers. Calls were made for speeches from the candidates, and each briefly returned thanks and were applauded. Mr Shadbolt prolonged his speech, which was of a decidedly humorous nature. He wound up by maligning the unfortunate newspaper. The returning, officer was assisted in his duties by Mr Alzdorf.

voung Mayokal. B. G. Gower 202 A. E. Shadbolt ... 161 Informal 5 Majority for Gower, 41. CouncilP, J. Hennessy 260 G. C. Coley 247 G. H. Stiles 237 X,. W. Wilson 233 F. W. Frankland ... 228 S. H. Baker 199 S. J. Hickson 186 G. A. Gray 179 O. F. Austin 178 T. Rimtner 164 H. Bradcock 154 G. W. Morgan i33 P. H. Rae-Howard 126 Informal 13