The official swearing-in of the newly-elected members took place on
Thursday afternoon, the proceedings creating more than their wonted
interest from the expectation of a “scene.” These anticipations were
fully realised. Previous to the commencement of the usual routine,
Mr. J. F. Neave, one of the defeated Liberal candidates in the North
Ward, addressed Mr. S. Nightingale, and, in a tone of considerable
vehemence, charged that gentleman and his supporters with having
secured the election by unfair practices by bringing forward
individuals to personate voters who were dead or at sea, or by other
means equally discreditable. The scene which ensued was of the most
lively character, some half-dozen Councillors speaking at once.
Those in the body of the Court showed their enjoyment by encouraging
shouts of “Go it Neave,” “Give it them,” an appeal, however, which
was scarcely necessary, as the North Ward champion appeared in fine
mettle, and continued his address, although the greater part of it
was lost in the general turmoil. Referring to the result, Mr.
Nightingale was understood to say that Mr. Neave would never be so
near winning again, which elicited a rejoinder from the latter that
he had been told he should never be elected a Guardian, but he had
shown them what he could do, and if he were spared he would yet be in
the Council. This declaration of future hostilities was received
with great uproar, which was with difficulty quelled sufficiently to
enable the business of the meeting to be proceeded with. This having
been brought to a termination, after sundry interruptions, the
newly-elected hastily quitted the Court, the proceedings having
afforded a singular exhibition of political amenities, from a
Yarmouth point of view.