If any of the offices specified in RSA 510:10 is vacant, the service otherwise to be made upon the incumbent of such office may be made instead upon one of the principal inhabitants of the county, city, town or district.
RSA 510:11
RS 183:8. CS 194:10. GS 204:11. GL 223:11. PS 219:11. PL 331 :11. RL 387:11.