(Cheers.) In return he could only reiterate what lie said a few nights ago—that he would at all times give due consideration, and he might say careful consideration, to all matters brought before the Council, not, he would have it understood, for Christchurch alone, but for the benefit of the whole province, and give his vote conscientiously and to the best of his belief. (Cheers.) He could only say that he was astonished at being second on the list, for he was a young and untried man; but during the time he had been before them, in business or in official life—if being a member ofjfthe City Council might be dignified by such a terra —he had striven to act in an upright, straightforward manner, and Iw should continue to do so as a member of the Provincial Council. (Cheers.) As he had already told them, he would follow no parti cular course or join any one party in the Council. (Cheers.) He felt he had as mucli reason as Mr Williams to be astonished at his numerical position on the poll, and he once more begged to thank them for the honour so bestowed upon him. He should strive to deserve it, but should lie fail to do his duty to them, why he hoped they would turn him out. (Loud cheers.) Mr Hawkes, who was loudly cheered, said Mr Williams was justly very proud of being placed at the head of the poll, and he, although but third, was equally gratified, for he felt the victory quite as great. (Cheers.) He thanked the electors from the bottom of his heart for the kindness they had shown him that day, a kindness all the more appreci able from the shortness of the notice he gave them of his intention to come forward. He had asked them to think upon what he had previously done before sending him back again, and he could assure them that what they had done that day would make him show a greater deference to their interests than before—(loud cheers)—for after that day he would feel that their interest was the very first of his heart. (Cheers.) At a time like that he could not be expected to make any promises or refer to political matters, and he would therefore simply thank them again for electing him as one of their representa tives. 