ONEHUNGA ELECTION.

Auckland Star, Volume IV, Issue 1193, 19 November 1873, Page 3

ONEHUNGA ELECTION.

NOMINATION TO-DAY,

The nomination of members (2) to serve in the Provincial Couucil for Onehunga, took place at the Court house at noon to-day. There was fair attendance of electors present. The Returning Officer, R. C. Barstow, Esq., having read the writ and election notice, called upon any qualified electors to name their candidate. He trusted that a fair and ;mpartial hearing would be given to all.

Mr T. Walsh proposed MrG. M. O'Rorke, saying the latter was an old and tried friend who had always taken an interest in the district, and sought to promote its welfare and that of the colony. Mr O'Rorke had never betrayed his trust, and never would. V otes of thanks had been accorded to him repeatedly for his services, for which he must feel grateful, and it was very satisfactory that such relations existed between him and his constituents. He (Mr Walsh) had much pleasure in proposing Mr G. M. O'Rorke.

Mr Henry Brierley briefly seconded the nomination.

Mr T. Armstrong proposed Mr John Lundon.

Mr J. Hastio seconded the nomination

Mr Eastwood then addressed'the electors, saying that in order that there should he a contest, and to stir up a spirit of emulation here as elsewhere, he would propose a new candidate who would make a respectable colleague to serve in the Council with Mr O'Rorke. Many present were deep in his his books (signs of disapproval), and ought to support him. The candidate he had to propose was Charles Colville Fleming, a gentleman well-known to them all, and one who would do credit to the district.

Mr J. Black briefly seconded the nomination of Mr Fleming. No other candidates being proposed, the Returning Oiilcer asked if any of the candidates desired to address the electors.

Mr G. M. O'Rorke, who was heartily cheered on coming forward, said he felt a delicacy in so often coming before the people of Onehunga to seek a renewal of their confidence. They had enabled him to be placed in a position which he could not have obtained without their assistance. It had occurred to him lately that perhaps he ought to retire and give place to a younger man (cries of "you're a young man yet; you'll do ; you're one of the good old sort"), but on reflection' he felt that if the bonds between the electors of Onehunga and himself were severed it must be by them and not by him (Cheers). It had been thought by some that when he joined the Ministry his connexion with the Auckland Provincial Council would cease, but his presence here to-day as a candidate for their suffrages was a proof that he was not going to desert Provincial institution. He had, by their kindness, been placed on the lowest rung of the ladder, and as he had risen he was not going to kick it over. He looked back with more pride on the day when they had first put him on the lowest step than now when he was higher up. He did not desire to praise himself or _ the Ministry, but he saw before him signs of progress • a railway nearly opened into the town, and roads, bridges and harbour improvements. He was glad they wanted more wharf accommodation. When the wharf was first built it was said there would be no use for it. He was in favour of secular education in out-lying districts, but in the townships, wherejthe religious communities have their schools in operation, they should not be interfered with. He was in favour of tho rating clause of the Act.

In reply to a question Mr O'Rorke said he hoped to see the police restored to Provincial control.

Mr Lundon observed that a lunatic from tho Asylum had come iuto their midst to propose a candidate to discredit the district. They had been about cadging and trying to get a candidate. They had tried to get hold of Mr Hardington, but-he was a man of sense and business, and told them they could not turn out their old members who had served them well They had tried to get Dr. Lee, but could not. The statement in the Star about himself was untrue. He had never practised any political dodge. He had voted against the education tax and for religious instruction. He had always acted with Mr O'Rorke for the benefit of the district, and should continue to do so if returned, as he felt sure he should be.

||Mr Fleming fthen addressed the electors, saying he had been unexpectedly called upon. If elected he would do his best for the interests of the town and harbour, and endeavour to remove the prejudice which existed against the safety of the Manukau harbour. He was in favour of the General Government having the control of the police, and against the present Education Act, which required improvements. He would like to see more power conferred on local boards.

A vote of thanks to the Returning Officer terminated the proceedings.