spot in the East End Corporation.

Mr. Smith beat out rival Mr. Gladstone Trott by 17 votes to take over the seat of Alderman being vacated by Mr. Ronald Smith who stepped down because business trips kept him away from Bermuda for lengthy periods.

The victory came about half an hour after the the sparsely attended poll closed, with 58 votes cast for Mr. Smith and 41 for Mr. Trott. Two ballots were spoiled.

And while Mr. Smith said he was disappointed that only 101 of the 308 eligible voters turned out for the election, he thanked all those who voted for him as well as Corporation members who supported him and encouraged him to run.

Mr. Smith mainly attributed the low voter turnout to a lack of advertising of the date of the election and the time the polls would be open.

He promised to work towards what is best for all the people of St. George's.

With Mr. Smith taking on the responsibilities of an Alderman -- which includes heading subcommittees assigned to him by Mayor the Wor. Henry Hayward -- an election is expected to be held to fill his common councillor post.

The Corporation of St. George's is made up of the Mayor, three Aldermen and five town councillors.

Congratulating both Mr. Smith and Mr. Trott for running, Mr. Hayward last night said he looked forward to working with Mr. Smith.

He said the date of nominations for Mr. Smith's common councillor post would be announced a week from now. The election is expected to take place at the end of the month.

Mr. Ross Smith.