MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2178, 30 April 1908, Page 3

MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

MR. W. D. LYSNAR RETURNED AS MAYOR. KEEN INTEREST EVINCED BY THE PUBLIC. Probably never before in tlio history of Gisborne lias so keen nil interest been taken in tho oloction of tho Mayor ns was manifested yesterday. The two rival candidates, Mr. W. D. Lysuar and Dr. J. TV. Williams commenced their campaign about a month beforo polling day, and from that tinio onward worked hard towards tho desired end. Tho contest was mndo especially keen as each candidate hold distinctly opposite views upon many questions of municipal policy. Tho ratepayers entered fully into tho spirit of tho contest, each candidate having the privilogo of addressing crowded meetings, and, as showing that- tho interest was general and genuine, it may bo stated that 1968 votes out of a- possible 2974 wore recorded, or just- over 66 por cent. Tho result was as follows: FOR MAYOR.

The now Mayor-elect-. of Gisborne, Mr. TV. D." Lysnar, is a- native of New Zealand, and is 41 years of age. He was admitted to practico as a solicitor in 1892 and as a barrister in 1895. Ho first began to take an interest in public affairs in 1902, when ho was elected to a seat on the Gisborne Borough Council. Threo years ago lie was elected as a representative of tho Coo'k County on the Gisborno Harbor Board, and has held tho position over since. About a year ago he was elected to a seat on the Cook County Council. Mr. Lysnar has also been' chairman of the Gisborno Branch of tho Farmers’ Union for somo years. This is the third occasion on which Mr. Lysnar has contested tho Mayoral election. In 1905 he opposed Mr. Townley, but was defeated by 562 to 526. The following year Mr. Townley was re-elected unopposed, but in 1907 Mr. Lysnar again came forward in opposition to Mr. Townley, and was again defeated, the actual voting figures being 766 to 636. ELECTION OF COUNCILLOR. MR. G. DAItTON RETURNED. The election of a Councillor to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. W. Miller was equally keen, and it is a noticeable fact that all who went to the polling booth recorded their vote for both contests. The rival candidates were Messrs G. Barton, F. Harris, and TV. J. P. Gaudin, the following being the result of tho poll:

The voting was very steady throughout, the largest number being recorded at the main booth in His Majesty's Theatre. The booths were opened on the strike of 9 in ■ the morning, anil closed sharp at 7 o’clock. Vehicles were ‘used to convey electors to tho voting places, and by this means a steady stream of voters was kept .up all day. ‘Mr. Lysnar and Dr. Williams had committee rooms .adjacent to the main booths, _ where burgesses could find out their numbers on the roll, and so relieve .the poll clerks of much work. The weekly half-holiday was held yesterday instead of taking place today, and when the shops closed large crowds collected in Lowe-street and eagerly discussed the probable result. The roll and supplementary roll contained in all 2974 names of electors, and was the largest yet compiled for the /Borough. Polling was carried out under the supervision of .Mr. H. M. .Porter, returning officer, who had with him the following staff ait His Majesty’s Theatre, the main booth: Messrs. W. Hccney, F. 0. Lawton, .and Cl. H. Beames. The scrutineers were Messrs. E. H. O’Meara (Mr. W. D. Lysnar), W. Ratcliffe (Dr Williams), and P. Sheridan (Air. F. Harris). The Drill Hall 'booth was in charge of 'Air. E. Pavitt, with Mr. G. Johnstone as assistant .polling clerk. The scrutineers were Messrs. G. F. Mende/rson (Dr. AVilliams), and F. J. Pearson (Messrs. AV. D. Lysnar and F. Harris). The AVest End booth was conveniently situated at Mr. - Warner’s store, corner of Pnlmers-ton-road and Roebuck-road, where .Mir. D. R. De Costa officiated as deputy returning officer for the Mayoralty, and Mr. Whittier .for the Council. Scrutineers in attendance were 'Messrs. M. H. Doyle (Dr. Williams), It. Cogar (Air. AV. D. ‘Lysnar), and S. .Boland (Air. AV. Gaudiii). The returning officer and his staff were very prompt in counting the ballot papers, and at a quarter to 9 the ire,suit, of the Mayoral election was known, .and that of .Councillor shortly afterwards. A large crowd of fully 3000 people had by that time collected iri Gladstone-road, and were addressed by the candidates. AIR. LYiSNAR’S SPEECH.

Air. Lysnar, in returning thanks for the honor done to him by returning him to the xiosition of •Mayor, said that he fully appreciated .the importance of the position, and would endeavor to fulfil to- the best of his ability all the promises he had made. He had on his committee some, gentlemen who had opxiosed him at the last election, and lie thanked them for all they had done to belli him to the position. He was glad there had been a friendly contest, for nothing had been said, by Dr. Williams that lie could take exception to. Personalities bad been indulged in by newspaper correspondents, hut- ho hoped, now that the election was over, .that that would he forgotten, and all would pull shoulder to shoulder for the good of the town. He was not afraid of the Council as at i>resent constituted, and ho honed all the members would use their bestefforts to work together. The three most imiiortant questions were ‘ the outer hailbor, drainage, and roads, and he hoped they would be carefully considered by both tho Council and the ratepayers. In taking up the important .position of Mayor, lie did not forget tho good work done by one who was now standing aside after eighteen years’ service, and he thought something should be done to recoguiso and iieriietuate those services, and he would be pleased to head a subscription list for that purlior.o. DR. AVILLIAAIS’ SPEECH. Dr. AVilliams said lie ‘thanked all tho electors who had shown their confidence by voting for him. He know how to taka-a licking, and when he remembered lio was a man of limited experience in municipal affairs, ho thought lie had done very well. Ho was glad there had been a contest, for it had given tho -ratepayers ail opportunity to express their opinions on many questions, and it would not have been a good .tiling for one candidate to have a walkover. The newly-elected, councillor, Mr. George Darton, also returned thanks for liis election, and Air. F. Harris thanked those who had .voted for him.

A pleasing feature of tho addresses was the cordiill fooling 'between tho various candidates, who shared the glories and tho reverses of tho contests, and avlio afterwards shook hands all round. Upon, tho crowd calling lor a speech from Air. Townley, tho Mayor said ho was plonscd to bo ablo to offer his congratulations to Mr. Lysnnr on his succoss, and ho folt suro that Mr. Lysnar would do all ho could for -the progress of Gisborno. (Cries, of “No, no.’’) Ho (Mr. Townlev) had been elected first as a member of the Council and wfforwards as Mayor, and was now only bidding them farewell for tho first time. When he first came to Gisborne 'there was not a nobble on tho roads. “Look at them now,” said -Mr. Townley, “and yet some people say wo are fossils.” * Ho hoped those people would bo as well satisfied with 'Air. Lysnar as >t|ioy had been with him, and would get groat benefits from a change of occupants of t-lio Alayoral chair. ITo was not saying good-bye, but would telvo another mooting of the Council to -attend beforo ho wont out- of offico, and would say good-bye to the electors thou. (Applause.) Three cheers wore -then given for Air. and Airs. Townloy, and the crowd dispersed. AiUTUAL CONGRATULATIONS. Subsequently, -at the invitation of Air. Lysnar’s committee, a largo number of gentlemen, among them being Dr. Williams, Alessrs. G. Darton, F. Harris, TV. J. P. Gaudin, E. H. Ahum, and TV. F. Crawford, adjourned to the Farmers’ Club rooms to drink tho health of tho Mayor-elect. Air. Townley occupied the chair, and after tho toast of tho King had been honored, proposed tho toast of his successor in the -Alayoral chair, Air. Lysnar. The toast was supported by Air. TV. -F. Crawford, and drunk with musical honors. lit reply, Air. Lysnair, said he hoped lie would bo able to merit tho confidence itlio ratepayers had roposed in him by electing him as Mayor of Gisborne. Ho was not going to tho Council micfirgs to become a dictator or to waul ali bis own way, but to carefully consider every question that was brov ,ht forward, and. to do the best- for iho good of tho people. Other to-:As honored were that of tho differc.it committees-and Dr. Williams. I.i speaking to tho latter toast, Air. Bright said that when there was a contest he always entered keenly info the light-, and when it was over was prepared to shake hands. Ho would, as a Councillor, be prepared to always give Air. Lysnar his support when lie brought forward progressive proposals, and was able to show they were for the good of tho town. “But,” added Air. Bright, humorously, “if they are not I will be a terrible thorn -in his side.” The toast of the retiring Mayor, Air. Townley, brought the gathering to an end.

OUTSIDE RESULTS. Press Association. TAURANGA, April 29. Alayoralty: John Bull 184, Rev. Canon Jordan 142. HATVERA, April 29. Alayoralty: H. TV. Sutton 329, J. Foy 146. STRATFORD, April 29. Alayoral election: George Sangster 381, TV. P. Kirkwood 352. EKETAHUNA, April 29. Alayoralty: Horbort (former Al'ayor) 141, Haswell 133, informal 3. NEW PLYAIOUTH, April 29. The Alayoral election, in which much interest was taken, resulted: B. Y. Tisch 809, F. Bellringer 533, TV. A. Collins 141. . NAPIER, April 29. Tlio Hastings Alayoral election resulted : T. J. Thompson (retiring Alavor) 505, L. TV. Fowler 392, A. A.' George 154, TV. Lane 91. AIASTERTON, April 29. The Alasterton Alayoral elections resulted :P. Hollings 717, J. AI. Coradine (present Alayor) 706. A by-election to fill a vacancy in the Council resulted: J. Hunter 935, E. AlcEwan 471. A poll with regard as to whether factories attached to shops liavo tlio sarno half-holiday as the shops was carried by 837 votes to 500. The voting paper was evidently not- understood by tho electors, as thero were 88 informal votes, PALAIERSTON N M April 29. Tlio Alayoral election resulted as folloivs: Nash 1516, Essex 1232, Haydon 102. The result was received amidst a sceno of intense excitement. WANGANUI, April 29. The election for the Eastbrooke Mayoralty to-day resulted in tho return of tho preesnt Alayor, John Jones, who polled 281 against Robert Noilso’n 195. BLENHEIAI, April 29. Alayoral election: A. AlcCallum (reelected) 560, E. H. Penny 336. The number of voters on the roll is 1336. HOKITIKA, April 29. Alayoral election at Kumara; J. A. Alurdocli 174, G. Rouse 103. Mayoral election at Ross: T. TV. Bruce 134, J. Grimmond 80. TVESTPORT, April 29. Tlio Alayoral election resulted: J. H. Greenwood (re-elected) 694, A. C. Hanseu 560 ,informal 20. Keen interest was taken in the election. TIAIARTJ, April 29. The Alayoral election took placo today, t*io contest being between J. Craigio (retiring Alayor) and T. Hawkey (Councillor). Tile interest shown was much keener than for some years, and t-he result was the return of Craigie, who polled 715 votes to Hawkey’s 295 votes, a record poll. DUNEDIN, April 29. The Alayoral election for tho City to-day resulted in the return of Councillor AlcDonald by a majority of 1166, the voting being :Councillor AlcDonald 3544, Councillor Walker 2378. The result came as a surprise to tho majority of tho residents, who expected Walker to win easily. .At North-East Valley, Green (rotinngMayor) was elected by a majo-

At Alornington, Lo Cre-n (retiirineMayor) was returned by a majority of IoS. Mli-own, the retiring Alayor of Maori Hill, was defeated by Butterfield by 147. J The St. Kilda contest resulted in tbo election pf AlcFarlane by a majority of 160.' INVERCARGILL, April 29. Rather more than usual interest was ta'kon in tq-day’s Mayoral olection.. The candidates were Scandrett (who was at ono time Town Clerk and Alayor for several years and lias filled the position for consecutive terms during the last four years) and Macfarlane (senior Councillor, who has also had terms ns Alayor in former years). To-day Scandrett polled 1049, and Alacfarlane 857, out of a total roll number of 3358. There were east 1906 valid votes and eleven informal. The aggregate vote last year was 1564. NELSON, April 29. The Alayoral election resulted: J. Riper (sitting Mayor) 1024, AV. S. Harnpson 597. For a vacancy in the City Council, AV. K. Turner was elected with 730 votes, defeating G. Steart 583, and J. K. Johnston 278. CHRISTCHURCH, April 29. Tbo Mayoral election resulted: C. Allison 1359, Geo. Payling (present Alayor) 1248. -GORE, April 29. Mr. A. A. Aliacgibbon was re-elected Mayor by a majority of 61, the voting being—A. A. Macgibbon 396, James Speden 365. The contest was unusually keen. Mr. J. Cfalt war re lasted Mayor of Alataura, defeat;:. •; Mr. Tlios Mc-Gi-bbou by 205 to 107. AVELLINGTOX, April 29. Not for many years has the contest for the Alayoralty excited so much interest as that which was decided to-day. Tho sitting Alayor, tho Hon. T. AV. ITislop, and an cx-Alayor, Air. J. G. AA r . Aitken, ALP. for AVellington East, were early In the field, and conducted a vigorous campaigu for five weeks. The polling to-day was very heavy, and the streets were crowded to-night with people anxious to know the results. Tho total shows that 14,813 votes were cast, as compared with 8600 last year. The rej suit is as follows: Hislop 9192, Aitken j 5549, majority for Hislop 3643, Air.

’ Hislop addressed somo thousands of electors from tho "Times” balcony, and then wont to tho Town Hall to address - a largo crowd awaiting him there. , ~ The contest for tho Miramar Alnyoralty resulted: C. J. Crawford (tho retiring Alayor) 426, F. Townsend 303. (Special to “Times”) Tlio result of tlio Alayoral elections enmo as a great surprise, oven to tho friends of the successful candidate, who thought Air. Hislop would only win by a small majority.., Iho result ij generally regarded us a-grealt victory for tlio .Labor and Socialist parties, who gavo Air. Hislop a solid vote. Somo thousands of lodgors, who have really very little interest in the citv, wero put on tlio roll, tho wideness of tho franchise enabling them to say that they were paying, not £1 a week for hoard and lodging, but IDs a week for board and 10s a week lor a room.

Mr. AY. D. Lysnar ... 1136 Dr. J. AY. AVilliams ... 808 Majority ... 328 The- polling at the various bootlis ■\vns: — Total for His AVar- oach Majesty’s Drill ner’s CandiThoatro.Hall.Store, date. Lvsnar, AY. D. 032 313 191 1130 AVilliams, J.AV. 490 178 140 808 Informal ... 16 4 -4 24 Totals ... LL38 495 335 19GS,

Mr. G. Dartou 83S Mr. F. Harris , 823 Mr. AV. J. P. Gaudin... 212 The following show s the polling at the various booths:— for Total His AV'ar- each Majesty's Drill ner’s CandiTheatre.Hall.Store, date. Dartou, G. ... 507 187 164 858 Harris, F. ... 476 238 109 823 Gaudin, AV.J.P. Ill 50 51 212 Informal ... 44 20 11 75 Totals ... 1138 495 335 1968 THE POLLING.