The Borough Election.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume III, Issue 351, 14 September 1889, Page 2

The Borough Election.

The annual election of three Borough Councillors took place on Thursday. The retiring Councillors were Messrs Joyce, Whinray, and Dunlop, all of whom were again candidates, together with Mr D. Hepburn. The day was very quiet, and in the morning there was hardly the slightest indication that an election was proceeding. Messrs Joyce and Hepburn made an energetic canvass, while Messrs Dunlop and Whinray trusted their chances mainly to the judgment of ratepayers. In the afternoon the interest increased, and all the candidates were more active. There being no leading questions on which to base the claims of a candidate, the sole topic of conversation in regard to the election appeared to be the position which the Standard had taken up, and whenever a member of our staff was observed near the Masonic corner he was made the subject of much good humored banter. The most conclusive arguments were used that Mr J. was going to head the poll, and when the only reply that was made was a smile that might mean much or little, there was a good deal of “chaff” as to the dressing down that Mr J. would give the Standard after it was announced that he was head of the poll. As, however, that consummation was not reached, the journal alluded to got let down lightly, Even Mr Joyce's best friends, however, agreed that it was better to speak out and work straightforwardly, instead of being afraid to do so, “ like that other rag of a paper,” as it was generally termed. The largest influence that could be brought to bear in favor of Mr Hepburn was availed of, so that the representation of the Borough could be more equally distributed. Three Councillors being resident on the Whataupoko was considered an inequality of representation that was made more manifest when it was remembered that the upper portion of the Borough was practically unrepresented. The result was that Mr Hepburn was on the top of the list when the figures were announced. By the time for closing the polling booth a large amount of interest was being taken in the election. From 6,30 there was a numerous crowd awaiting the result, and when the hour of seven had gone by those who were waiting became very impatient, and some reckoned that if they were the jury that had to give the verdict there would not be much delay in counting the figures. There was a good deal or betting in small change, and five halfcrowns to one were freely offered that Mr Joyce would not be lower than a second place. Just after 740, Mr Riesse, the Returning Offioer. emerged from the inner recesses of the Council room, and his appearance was signalled with shouts of applause. The result was Hepburn 808, Whinray 256, Dunlop 247, and Joyce 100 ; the first three being declared elected. The crowd then at once dispersed, there baing no speechifying or anything to detain the ratepayers longer.