Election of Mayor. At the meeting of the Council on the 9th of Nov., all the members except two being present, Mr. Alderman Rock rose from his seat, and addressed the Mayor thus: Mr. Mayor, we are standing at this moment on the brink of an important event. The earth in its unceasing course has brought us to a period when you, sir, must cease to exist as Mayor of this borough. Of yourself I will say nothing except that you have filled the office in a manner the most satisfactory to your fellow-townsmen. We now have to elect a new Mayor, and I think when I mention the name of Mr. Alderman Hayles I have said enough to secure his election. I will, however, say a few words on his behalf. It is true he has not been born amongst us, but he is a gentleman of independent means, having leisure at command – two very important qualifications in a town like this. Councillor Winter seconded the nomination and said – Not only in the Council has Mr. Hayles discharged the duties of his position, but also in the committees he has actively performed the duties devolving on him. In raising him to the higher duties, I have no doubt that at the end of the Mayoralty of Mr. Hayles the Council will be able to add that gentleman’s name to the long list of excellent Mayors which they have heretofore possessed. The election being unanimous, the Mayor-elect said – for the distinguished honour thus conferred upon him, he would return his sincere thanks. He had been a resident about a dozen years, and he felt it to be very gratifying to find himself occupying the position of chief magistrate of such an important borough. He would endeavour to carry out the duties honestly and impartially. Mr. Hayles then appointed Ald. Ginner as his deputy.
Election of Aldermen. The term for which Aldermen Hayles, Rock and Ticehurst were elected having expired, they were again elected without opposition. Election of Councillors. On the 1st of November, Mr. Ross, as Presiding Alderman of the East Ward, Mr. George Winter and Mr. Robt. Burchell, as assessors, and Mr. T.S. Hide, as poll-clerk, proceeded to the Town Hall to open the ballot for the several candidates for Council seats vacated by Messrs. Bromley, Picknell, Harvey and Wrenn. At the same time, the several officials for the West Ward, consisting of Alderman Clement, Messrs. H. N. Williams, R. F. Davis and J. P. Shorter, occupied their allotted posts at the Assembly Rooms to perform similar duties on behalf of the candidates nominated for the West Ward, caused by the retirement of Messrs. Tree and Peerless. The polling commenced at 9 o’clock, and proceeded uninterruptedly till four in the afternoon, when the election was declared to have fallen on Messrs. Howell, Bromley, Poole and Picknell for the East Ward, and Messrs. Tree and Kenwood.
