The very general expectation that prevailed as to the severity of the contest drew early together large numbers of persons, who thronged the vicinity of the polling places and the streets throughout the day. The polling from eight to nine o’clock was very rapid, both parties striving their utmost to bring up men so as to head the poll. The popular feeling, which manifested itself unmistakeably in favour of the Liberal cause, was sadly damped between the hours of nine and ten o’clock by the appearance of a placard bearing the state of the poll, and showing that the Conservatives, notwithstanding the activity displayed by the other side, had stolen a march upon them, and meant winning. The result of the next hour’s polling had considerably increased the Conservative majority, and, as a large proportion of the electors had voted, it became evident that the battle, as far as Liberal interests were concerned, was all but lost. As the day advanced, the position of the Liberals on the poll became worse, and all chance of retrieving their position was hopeless. The excitement was very great in the town, but the crowd continued to conduct themselves pretty quietly, contenting themselves with venting their disappointment by groaning heartily at every vehicle bearing placards of “Vote for Lacon and Goodson.” State of the Poll. Nine o’clock. Lacon 298 Goodson 294 Brogden 235 Vanderbyl 226 Ten o’clock. Lacon 541 Goodson 526 Brogden 447 Vanderbyl 425 Eleven o’clock. Lacon 608 Goodson 574 Brogden 506 Vanderbyl 481 Twelve o’clock. Lacon 746 Goodson 712 Brogden 595 Vanderbyl 557 One o’clock. Lacon 758 Goodson 708 Brogden 610 Vanderbyl 571 Two o’clock. Lacon 798 Goodson 757 Brogden 618 Vanderbyl 573 Four o’clock. Lacon 828 Goodson 784 Brogden 634 Vanderbyl 589 The following detail is given of the polling in the various Wards. Lacon. Goodson. Brogden. Vanderbyl. St. 91 86 78 74 Nicholas’ Market 146 140 120 109 Regent 152 146 106 99 St. George’s 104 100 96 91 Nelson 189 173 138 130 Southtown 146 139 96 86 Total 828 784 634 589