REQUISITION TO HIS HONOR THE SUPERINTENDENT.

Auckland Star, Volume I, Issue 248, 25 October 1870, Page 2

REQUISITION TO HIS HONOR THE SUPERINTENDENT.

A deputation, consisting of Messrs. T. fB. Hill, J. Wrigley, R. llobhs, W. T. buekland, and J. Smart, waited this forenoon at eleven o'clock on Mr. T. B. Gillies, at the Provincial Government Offices, in order to present a requisition from the electors of Auckland City West, asking him to allow himself to be placed in nomination in the election of members for the House of Representatives. The requisition, which was lengthy, and signed by about three hundred electors, including -all the principal persons in that constituency, was read by Mr. Hill, and its prayer very warmly urged by the other members of the deputation. —His Honor enquired as to the time when this movement had been undertaken, and wa3 informed that on Friday morning early, the list had been opened, and rapidly filled, before Mr. Williamson's address had appeared, and while the chief promoters of the requisition were credibly assured that it was not the intention of that gentleman to stand for the election. It was not in a spirit of opposition to Mr. Williamson that they desired his candidature, and they had not had the least idea that it was Mr. . Williamson's intention to stand till the address appeared in the evening papers. Mr. Gillies said he was glad to hear this, it relieved his mind a good deal on the'subject, for he should regret to appear as if he hud come out to oppose the sitting members. On first hearing of the intended requisition he felt much delicacy on the matter.—Mr. Hobbs assured his Honor that he had been convinced at the time that Mr. Williamson was riot going, to be a candidate, and during the whole of the canvas they had met with the utmost eagerness for Mr. Gillies, having received not more than two or ..three refusals in the whole district. —Mr. Gillies replied that he did not see very well how in the face of such a requisition, and the assurance of the deputation as to the spirit in which the matter had originated, he could refuse. He would prefer it had been oihervriie, but considering the assurance to that effect, he would feel happy to place himself in their hands and do his best for the city and the colony. He would, if elected, pursue the same independent course he had always done, feeling that it was only by the conflict of independent minds in the Assembly that any good can be effected. His Honor then warmly thanked the deputation who, after a little further conversation, withdrew; His Honor's formal reply will be forwarded to the deputation this evening.