PARNELL ELECTION.

Auckland Star, Volume IV, Issue 1201, 28 November 1873, Page 3

PARNELL ELECTION.

NOMINATION.—-THIS DAY.

Tire nomination of monibers (two) to servo in the Provincial Council for the electoral district of Parnell took place at noon to-day at the Public Hall. The attendance was not largo.,. .. - The Returning Ofi)"or (Colonel Balneavis) having read the writ and election notioe, called upon any qualified elector to name a candidate. Mr J. Wrigley proposed Mr Benjamin Tonks as a fit and proper person to represent Parnoll in the Provincial Council. Mr Tonks had been a good member, and bad assisted m promoting the Beach road and other improvements to the district. He was a man of means and honesty of character, who would support the Superintendent independently, and do his best for the interests of the district. Mr. Allender seconded the nomination. to- ar*on Inland proposed Mr Reader G. Wood as an old resident, whose name was Well known throughout the colony. He had held responsible positions with credit, and they could not find a better man. Mr Warner seconded the nomination, observing that it would be gilding refined gold to add anything in praise of Mr Wood. * Mr Watt proposed Mr Caleb Wood. Mr McCormack seconded the nomination. Mr Tonks briefly addressed the eUctors, saying lie had always done his duty during the time he had been in the Council, and if re-elected would do the same again. Mr Reader, Wood said ho had already given them his views at a public meeting, and it was therefore not necessary for him to make a long speech. He should follow tne example of Mr Tonks, and speak brieiiy. lhere was one point, however, which wa3 perhaps the only one, that rendered him at all desirous of going into the Council. It was evident to him that « # provincial institutions were to be maintained much longer it could only be none by increased taxation, and this taxation <ue intended strenuously to resist. Already rSiw ."_? were pressing very heavily in'many |, p\a.ce3 where such pressure should not be felt 7 If elected he should do his best for tne mterests of the district and the province generally. Mr Caleb Wood said he should not have come forward unless a numerously signed requisition had been presented him. He was w iavoi\r of acQular education,, and appvoved

of the present Act, except the rating clause. •Ho would endeavour to assist in utilising the endowments for the benefit of education. v\r,r !m infceresfc iv immigration. Mr Williamson had always been'a great man tor populating the coifntry, and under judicious management thero was ample room for the settlement of thousands of industrious families. If elected he should always pursue an honest, independent course, and the electors would not regret having chosen him. Mr J. Mason asked the candidate if he would be in favour of doing away with Provincial Councils. I Mr Wood replied in the affirmative if all would agree. In Otago and Canterbury, wherthere were large land funds, a different opinion prevailed. Mr Wood, in reply to another question said he was in favour of destroying t:.e presentslaughter-house and building another. At present it was in a filthy state. The youths collected together ttiore and used bad language. It was a hot bed of vice. It ought to be removed to another site. He was in favour of the separation of the sexes in schools. Or, a show of hands being called there were held up for Mr B. Tonks

MrE, ii. Wood . 32 Mi-Caleb Wood ... 15 The show of hands was declared in favoi of Messrs Reader Wood and B. Tonka. A poll was demanded by Mr Caleb Wood which will be taken to-morrow. A vote of i thanks to the Returning Officer terminated the proceedings.