CITY ELECTION.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5274, 19 February 1878, Page 2

CITY ELECTION.

RETURN OF MR. BARTON. The polling for a member to fill Mr. Travers’ seat in the House of Representatives for the City of Wellington took place yesterday, and created considerable excitement. There were, as our readers are aware, three candidates— Messrs. E. Pearce, G. E. Barton, and W. Hutchison. All the public vehicles in town were employed by one party or another, and each of the candidates had placards prominently pasted on hoardings and other conspicuous places. It seemed to be generally thought daring the morning that Mr. Pearce was certain to be returned, but towards afternoon the supporters of Mr. Barton were very hopeful about his chances. A great crowd assembled opposite the hustings after the close of the poll, and some characteristic jocularity and badinage took place. There were two polling places, the Resident Magistrate’s Court House, Lambton-quay, and the late public market of Messrs. Bethune and Hunter, Manners-street. The votes recorded at the latter booth were soon known, and were stated as follows : Mr. Pearce 156, Mr. Barton 155, Mr. Hutchison 106. It was then generally thought that the contest would be a very close one between the two first named gentlemen. At half-past five o'clock the Returning Officer (Mr. J. 0. Crawford) came forward and stated that the official declaration would take place on Thursday next at noon. Mr. E. T. Gillon informed the assembled multitude that as the returning officer had not stated the numbers polled he would give them. Ho thereupon read the following ; Mr. Barton ... 506 Mr. Pearce ... ... ... ... 463 Mr. Hutchison 264 Total votes polled 1233 Mr. L’Estkangb Barton, who was loudly called for, came forward and said : Gentlemen —I am very grateful to you for this victory. I regard it not so much in the light of a victory over persons, for there is no person in Wellington for whom I have a greater respect than Mr. Pearce personally, but I regard the result of the election as the triumph of a principle, or rather of two principles. (Prolonged cheers ) The first principle I take to be this— That Sir George Grey’s policy is the policy approved of by the people of Wellington. (Cheers and applause.) At the great meeting the other day you, the electors, determined to return no one but a Democrat, no one but a supporter of Sir George Grey's policy. You have done both to-day, and I thank you. The second principle is this, as I take it—that when you, the citizens of Wellington, see that a wrong has beeu done you will condemn it. (Applause.) When you see a brave man stand up aud protest at its perpetration you will stand by him. (Prolonged cheering.) When you see people in high places doing injustice—aud there is no shadow of doubt as to the conduct of the Judge of the Supreme Court at Wellington, in my opinion—you do not fear to give expression to your indignation. (Great applause and cheering.) I hope the Wellington constituency will qv6r carry out these priuciples. (Cheers.) Three cheers for Mr. Barton were called for and responded to. Mr. Barton then called on the people to give three cheers for Mr. Pearce, which were vociferously given. Mr. Pearok, who was greeted with applause, •aid ;—Mr. Returning Officer aud fellowcleotors, I have been defeated for the first time in Wellington, and I must confess I am disappointed, but at the same time I sincerely trust that the man of your choice may prove a good member to you. I sincerely thank ray supporters, and can only say that on personal grounds I regret the result. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Hutchison did not address the spectators, and the proceedings closed, Mr. Barton, junr., being carried shoulder-high along the quay. _________