MR LAURENSON'S MEETING.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14843, 8 December 1913, Page 8

MR LAURENSON'S MEETING.

to THE EDITOR OF "THE PRESS."

Sir, —Under the above heading a letter appeared in your issue of to-day (Saturday) which I consider to bo very misleading and incorrect. I will therefore ask you to allow mo space to correct those misleading statements by giving a short account of what really did happen at the meeting referred to by your correspondent "Eye Witness," who evidently could not* have been present, though hie norn de plume would lead your readers to think 60. Tho origin of the" trouble between the chairman and myself was thit ho had "censored" two questions which I put before Mr Miller at his meeting the previous evening. The questions were perfectly fair, and entirely political, viz., "What are your opinions on preferential voting, and proportional representation?" Consequently Mr Scott could not say they wore personal or unimportant. On being put to Mr Laurenson at liis moeting on Thursday night, he answered them frankly and freely, and on being asked if there was anything unfair about thfm he replied "Certainly not." When Mr Scott stated that the questions were exhausted, and called upon someone to move a resolution, it was 6tated by several electors that they had sent up questions which had not been answered or put to Mr Laurenson. Mr Scott refused to read them or give them to tho candidate; but continued to ask for a resolution, prepared by Mr Cookslpy. This produced some recrimination end opposition from tho&o. who had sent up the questions, and to ease the situation, I moved "That tho chairman vacate the chair," which, on being put to the meeting, was carried, by a large majority, as could be seen by anyono wo looked at tho forest of hands held up for the motion, compared with the few who voted against it. In regard to my association with Mr Voyoe on the night of the meeting. I think your correspondent is making a huge mistake in thinking I have'anything to do with any union of any sort, as I am not a member or secretary of any organisation of that natore. Possibly "Eye Witaces" makes the mistake of coo-

fusing mc with mv namesako Mr Hiram Hunter, who is Wotery of several unions, consequently this charge against mc falls to the ground. 1 have been a warm supporter of the lato ait George Laurenson, our highly respected member for many years, and 1 looK upon the five candidates with . a Tel 7 critical eye, comparing them with our deceased member- but 1 »n> m no way inimical to Mr J. B. Laurenson'c candidature, as I recognise ho is a manly, public-spirited citizen, who will serve his country very ably if returned to the House of Representatives. I hope you will find space for this letter, and trust "Eye Witness" will take hie "specs" when he goes to the next political meeting held in Opawa. and thus avoid falling into the pit ho so carefully prepared for me.—Yours, otc, JAMES W. HUNTER.