Mayoralty Election.

Thames Star, Volume IX, Issue 3055, 29 November 1878, Page 2

Mayoralty Election.

Return of Mr McCuUoufffc.

Yesterday afternoon at 5.25, in accordance with the official notification of the Returning Officer, the poll was re-opened. Inside the booth better arrangements were made for the ingress and egress of electors, whilst outside a strong passe of police guarded the entrance and kept it clear. In the short space of 35 minutes 117 rotes were polled, the last man getting in at about half a minute before the time for closing, and one elector, who had been obserred sauntering lazily down Dary street, was just in time to be too late. For two honrs before the close of the poll, Mr McCullough's energetic committee bad been working like niggers, and as cab load after cab load of the popular candidate's supporters rolled up, it was evident that there was an impression in the crowd that McCullough would be returned, and he was largely backed by those of a sporting turn of mind at long odds. One gentleman, in our hearing, offered to back the' Doctor, and immediately about 30 were round him eager to take him up. " But I want 100 to 1 odds, gentlemen." None of the would-be acceptors were on, however. At the closing of the door of the booth therewere between 1000 and 1500 persons in the street, and when in 45 minutes after the closing theEeturningOfficerannounced the result of the election to be— McCullnogh 381 Kilgour ... .„ „. 301 Majority for McCullough ... 80 The excitement was intense. After a loud enthusiastic storm of applause the crowd spotted the successful ranHirUte. and a rush was made for him.

shoulders of several stalwart supporters. He was carried to the Bank of New Zealand corner and then taken into an open carriage crammed with the more prominent members of his committee, one of whom triumphantly waved a lar^e Union Jack. Mr Mcllhone was also seized and carried along the street with the crowd. In front of the Lady Bowen Hotel, in response to repeated calls, Mr McCullough arose and thanked the burgesses for the high honor they had done him, and hoped he would merit their confidence. The Mayor elect's carriage, followed by several others, was then driven to Tararu, and' the party " wetted " the election| at the Shotover Hotel. A rapid drive then took place to Shortland, where the Warwick, Arms Hotel was patronised. On the way down Jimmy Gerrish enlivened proceedings, clatnourously, with his crier's bell. Passing Mr McCullough's residence loud cheers were given for the new Mayoress, and then the company adjourned to the Bowen, and congratulated each other on the result. As there was a good deal of " shouting " after the poll was closed, the ratepayers were to be seen in groups about the street for several hours after the declaration of the poll.