ELECTION OF A CITY COUNCILLOR.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 32, 6 February 1878, Page 2

ELECTION OF A CITY COUNCILLOR.

The City Council election yesterday resuited in the return of Mr Thomas Harley by a majority of 131. The proceedings caused very little excitement, although the friends of the rival candidates worked hard but quietly to secure a victory. Some fun was occasioned by the arrival of a lady— carefully conducted in the Pickard interestjust as the door of the Council Chamber closed, and malicious individuals insinuated that the lady's conductor had waited two hours to enable the fair votress to complete her toilet for the occasion. Shortly before seven o'clock the doors were opened, and the Council Chamber wa3 packed with anxious electors. At seveu sharp, J. Sharp, Esq., the Returning Officer, announced the result of the poll as follows : Thomas Halstead Harley . 401 Israel Pickard .... 270 He therefore declared the first named candidate duly electee 1 . Mr Harley then thanked the electors for the honor they had conferred upon him, and assured them that it would be his earnest endeavor to prove the confidence was not misplaced. In the past he had always endeavored to act independently and conscientiously for the benefit of the majority of his fellow-citizens, and he meant to do so in the future. Ho would take advantage of the present occasion not only to thank hia supporters but also his opponents, who had throughout the contest acted iv a fair and liberal manner, and toward him and his supporters displayed the most friendly spirit, even iv opposition. He would conclude by thanking the Returning Officer and all engaged for their services in the election. Mr Pickard took the occasion to thank the friends who had supported him, and to assure them that though defeated this time he would " have another fly " on some future occasion. He scarcely expected to secure a win on the present occasion, and considering the influence brought against him, considered his position on the poll a creditable one. Mr J. Smith then moved a rote of thanks to the Returning Officer, and this having been seconded by Mr Graham, and carried with applause, the proceedings closed.