Mystery

The principal paradox of the Council was that at the moment of election, in the evening of the final day, the odds against Taylor mysteriously diminished. Even bets were taken on both sides. In the ultimate moment the dynamic qualities of the colourful, controversial president were somehow exerting their pull.

After four days of open hostility. Auckland and Otago found they needed to deliberate before casting their votes. Their places were empty for over thirty minutes. Finally they came back. The ballots were issued and the votes returned. Two specially-delegated representatives tallied them. The count was to remain secret, but Mountain was the new president. Taylor's magnetism had not been strong enough to withstand a "crisis in confidence." His feign was done.