The event of the week here has been the double election for the vacancies on the Legislative Council caused by the departure of Messrs. hater and Whitehead. They were both held at the City Hall on the dth inst. 'The Chamber of Commerce meeting took lace at 3 p.m. in their room, ween thee was the largest muser members ever seen, unusual interest being taken in th- event.' The Chairman (Hon.
Sharp) proposed ani Mr. Gershom Stewart seconded the nomination of Mr.
R. C. Wilcox, of Messrs. Turner & Ca., and Mr. J. H. Lewis proposed and Mr, W. Mitchell seconded the nomination of Mr, R. Shewan, of Messrs. Shewan, Tomes Ca. The candidates then addressed the meeting, after which a poll was taken. Phe result was announced by the Chairman as follow:
Shewin 58 RE, Wilee Majority 2 for Mr. Shewav, which was hailed with!
plause by his' supporters. The result somewhat of a surprise for Mr. Wileox's friends, who had not counted upon the very large foreign contingent brought up by Mr, Shewan's supporters. Both candidates had keen partisans, and in the British community regret is general that the result of the contest should have been virtually decided by foreigners. Tht Mr. Shewan is a ready speaker, a genial and well-read companion, and a sue cessful merchant representing several large interests is universally concede?, but he nut he choice of the principal portion of the British community, partly because his views are too advanced for the majority, and partly because he has never hitherto exhibited the slightest interest in the Chamber of Commerce, and very little in pablic matters, having always pleaded, with every show of reason, that he had not the time to spare from his business.
'The nomination of a representative by the justices followed immediately aft wards, and took plice in St. Andren Hall.' Mr. W. Ponto proposed the nomination of Mr. G. W. F. paar Manager of the National Bank of China, Ld., which 1 was seconded by Mr, B. Layton, and M R. Shewan proposed and Mr. E. Mitchell seconded the nomination of Mr. E. A. Hewett, of the P. & O. S. N. Ca. The speeches on this occasion were cha acterised by unusual brevity, and the justices soon proceeded to ballot. The thus announced by Mr, Haze-land, the presiding magistrate F. Playfai There was never much doubt of the issue! of this contest, Mr. Playfair being so much better known than his opponent, who as the representative of the great' Engli-h mail line is not regarde! as sufficiently independent of the government to represent the ratepayers, besides having only a limited experience of the wants of this colony. Mr. Hewett is, however, regarded as a coming man in local affairs, and should be able.to give valuable service to the! colony in other capacities if not in the Council.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.