NEWTON ELECTION.

Auckland Star, Volume IV, Issue 1203, 1 December 1873, Page 3

NEWTON ELECTION.

NOMINATION TO-DAY. Tub nomination of two members to serve in the Provincial Council for Newton, took place at noon to-day, at the Newton Academy, the scholars' of which Institution, however, had no holiday on the strength of it, nor on account of St, Andrew either. Up to 12 o'clock, when the Returning Oiliccr, the candidates, and their friends arrived, lessons wore going on as usual. To-morrow, however, the boys and girls will get a holiday, as the room will be required all day for polling. At 12 o'clock, lessons were knocked off, and the pupils went to dinner. The Returning Officer, Colonel Bslneavis, then took the schoolmaster's place, and the candidates and their friends (of whom there was a good muster, considering the unfavourable state of the weather), occupied the scholars' seats. As a bystander observed, the second class was then called up. The writ and election notice were road, and the business of nomination proceeded Mr Hold ship proposed Mr Thos. Gheesoman as a fit and proper poison to represent the district, observing that ib was unnecessary to say anything in Mr Choesemau'H favour, for lie was well-known to all as one who had done good service already in the Council. He was a man of education, ability, and experience, and although he did not reside in the district he would not neglect its interest. Mr Chcesoinan was in favour of the abolition of toll gates, and would, if elected, do all ho could for the interests of Newton, and the province generally. Mr J. Warren seconded the nomination. Mr Henry Chapman proposed Mr Shanagan as an old and tried servant, would do service for the district in the futnro as he liaddone in the past. Mr Henry Hirst (of Newton) seconded tlio nomination. Mr T. Shove proposed Mr McElwaiu. Mr Cherry seconded. Mr George Staines rose to propose Mr Macready. Mr Moreton Jones did the same (observing that he was taken by surprise by M r Staiucs.) Mr Masefield seconded the nomination. Mr Cheeseman said he would not go into the details of his past history, or of the course ho would pursue ; but ho wished it to be understood that ho would, if elected, support all measures for the benefit of the province. He was free and independent, and would not factiously oppose any man. He had no selfish interests to serve, and no private resentments to gratify. Ho was opposed to centralism, jobbery, and reckless extravagance. He had no fault to find with the other candidates, but appealed to the electors to do their duty, and elect those who would support good government, and if placed at the head of the poll, as ho hoped and believed he would be, ho would be found one of the first to assist in procuring it for them. Mr Shanaghan said hip past career was before them. He had always been attentive to his duties in the Council. He had endeavoured to get the toll-gate removed ; and failing in that tried to get the proceeds devoted to the Karangahape road. He was well known to them all, and would not promise to do anything he did not intend to perfo.ni. If he had made mistakes they were not wilfully made. He had no selfish ends to serve, but would strive to advance New Zealand and to cultivate a national spirit as opposed to little narrow cliques. He had done his duty in the past, and if elected would do the same again. He challenged anyone to show where he had not done his duty. In reply to a question Mr Shanaghan said he was a teetotaller, but would give no pledge as to opening public-houses on Sunday. He would not vote for a resolution if brought forward in the Council to open Hie publichouses on Sundays. He was for secular education. He did not think a Superintendent's electioneering expenses and grog bills should be paid by the public. He had never voted otherwise. Mr MeElwain said it was not correct, as had been stated, that if elected he would oppose Mr Williamson. Ho should act independently. He wps in favour of removal of the toll-gate further back. Was adverse to opening public houses on Sunday, and to direct taxation. In reply to Mr Hughes Mr MeElwain said ho would, if he could, do away with toll-gates altogether—to their removal beyond Jericho if possible. He could not see his way clear to the exclusion of the Bible from schools. He would rather see the school closed, and the house too, where there was no Bible. Mr T. Macready said he should not have come forward but for the large number of friends who had induced him to do so, and pledged themselves to secure his return. They told him he need not come before the electors to-day as he was sure to bo returned, but ho thought it would have looked something like an insult not to have met them to-day. He was the owner of property in the Newton district, althoughnot on theroll af thedistric^ If elected he would support Mr Williamson, and endeavour to pet a Provincial land fund again. He believed this province would ultimately be the richest of all. If elected he would go in for the reduction of expenditure and good and economical government. Expenses would be reduced at gaol now that a good wall was built, and at the Asylum. If elected he would do all he could for the benefit of the district. There were many local matters which might be improved, amongst othersthe Hospital. He was in favour of public-houses remaining as they are. In reply to a question Mr Macready said he would vote against opening public houses for an hour or two on Sunday. It was no great chop to keep a public house. If an 3' one would take his house off his hands he would be very glad. He hod already voted for a Permissive Bill. He was in favour of an education tax by sliding scale. He was not in favor of a poll-tax. Education must be provided for in some way. He thought it very wrong if any poor old woman was compelled to pay the education tax simply because she had a house. He was in favor of the payment of all just claims. He did not think Mr Busby's claim was a just one against the province,

On a show of hands boing called for there ■vyere held up for Oheescman . ... ... 27 Shanaghan ... ... ... 25 McTChvain 28 Mrto.re.idy ..." ." [[[ 3] The show <>F hands Avas declared in favour of Messrs Maeroady and McElwain. Mr Oheesoman demanded a poll, which will be taken to-morrow. A vote of thanks to the Returning Officer terminated the proceedings.