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Westport Times, Volume VII, Issue 1115, 14 October 1873, Page 2

There was a slight error in the last report of business transacted in the Proviucial Council. In the paragraph referring to rents payable on Colliery Eeserve it should have been stated that rents on Sections allotted by Mr Sharp became due on the Ist January, 1873, instead of on the 20th June as stated. Yesterday was a day of days in WestportNever before, or at least for a long time past, has any election contest aroused so much interest as the election of members for the first District Board. Palmerston streot was thronged with traffic, nearly every roan among the mining population for miles around coming in to record his vote. And with them too came many lady visitors who, though not enrolled among the free and independent, may be credited with exercising at least some little influence over the election. The polling was actively carried on during the day, and the express vans chartered for the occasion were kept busily employed. The display of placards was scant, and electioneering squibs were not indulged in, the Addison's men contenting themselves with inviting in bold lettering their friends to vote for " Milligan and M'Enroe," while those from the Terraces hung out as their rallying signal the device, " vote for Dunn and Mullen," both parties evidently pre-determined to put in their own men and nono others. The Westport candidates made no sign, placing faith in their friends to do the one thing needful in the interests of the town. Under this arrangement excess of numbers depended solely upon excess of zeal, and the final result of the poll showed that Westport electors were not the most energetic. The numbers as given by Mr C. H. WebbBowen, who acted as Keturning-Officer, were

M'Enroe, Phillip 186 Milligan, John 182 Mullen, R. Francis 136 Dunn, George 133 Munro, John 123 Ings, Edward 108 M'Kenna, P. James 62 The first six named are consequently elected. The speeches made by the successful candidates at the declaration of the poll bore the promise of greater things hereafter rather than evidence of present perspicuity. A. fact attributable either to the unwonted heat of the day, the novelty of the situation, or any other cause at the choice of the listeners. The adjourned meeting of the Westport Fire Brigade was held on Friday evening last, and a majority of the members were present. It was decided to at once order a new alarm bell, weighing 3 cwc. from Wellington, and to invite tenders for sinking three Abyssinian wells in positions within the municipality to be decided after consultation with the Town Council. Upon the recommendation of the Mayor, Messra Hughes and Powell were recommended as Fire Inspectors. A few residents attended and volunteered for enrolment as members of the Brigade, and tho names of others were mentioned who had expressed their willingness to join. There is now every probability that the Brigade will be placed on a more efficient footing than had latterly prevailed. A little unnecessary reticence on tho part of the office bearers of St. John's Church, regarding tho proposed cxpenditureof funds to accrue from the series of concerts just initiated, has given rise to some misconception. It is as well therefore that the public should understand that the church and manse buildings and fences require immediate repair, at an estimated cost of nearly .£IOO. The ordinary funds of the church will not provide this, and hence the scheme devised by tho Church-wardens is that tho net funds of the concerts shall be devoted to getting up a baznar in attractive style during the Christmas holidays, which,

if present anticipations aro realized, will yield sufficient to cover the expense of the renovations needed.

Last evening wa3 a merry one in Westport to those who had leisure for merriment. At dusk the brass band paraded, giving a selection of out-door music. At 8 p.m. the concert at the School House drew a crowded audience, and was an eminently successful effort, at least judging from the sounds of approval which, wafted on the evening air, penetrated the solitude of Molesworth street, telling that the performers, in the words of a nautical ditty " were werry much applauded for wot they'd done," and the remarks of visitors, coming home from the play, were complimentary to a degree, and expressive of much gratification. After the concert lovers of saltatory exercise found full scope for their energies at the " Mission Hall," and at the All Nations the attraction of a free ball and supper drew many visitors. There were also friendly greetings and happy sentiments expressed in many nooks and corners, and the election day wound up convivially. An unfortunate occurrence took place at Addison's Plat on Sunday last, the hut of a miner named O'Mally having been burnt to the ground. It appears Mr O'Malley and his wife with some of the family had just returned from service at the chapel, and a fire had been fresh lit, when by some means either the walls of the hut or the roof became ignited,.and in a very few minutes the whole building was ablaze. The inmates had just time to drag out their bedding and one or two small articles, but beyond that nothing was saved. With customary praiseworthy alacrity a subscription list has been already circulated in aid of the sufferers, and has been signed for J respectable donations.