TO-DAY'S POLL.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1737, 30 April 1913, Page 8

TO-DAY'S POLL.

* HOW TO VOTE.

AND POLLING ;\ PLACES;. - j SOME LIVELY MEETINGS. It is necessary for the electors to bear ' n . mind a number of points in connection ! v®th the municipal elections for the city ' I and tho surrounding ■ bfa'oughs, and also the elections for the '.Harbour Board and tho Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, which all take place to-day. All the elections in the Several boroughs will be taken together; tthero will bo no. separate polling booths for tho separate elections. Every elector ntering a booth will bo given four votU' papers,, one containing the nanie.s of p candidates for the Mnyornlty, another iih" the names of the candidates for the itincit, another with tho names of the mdidates for tho Harbour Board, and ?other with tho names of candidates for jo Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, ;d on leaving the booth the voter will ,)• required to deposit tho papers each i a' separato ballot box. Tlie time for polling will be from 9 w"* ' P- m,: There will be 31 polling Slices in the city and 93 booths. . The total -number of names on the four i ballot papers will be 71, of which electors I.Will have the right to vote for a total of 31. This, fact is mentioned to show I the necessity of-voters going to tho booths [with their minds made. up, otherwise jif very ninny, of them require to.deliberate .for any'lorigth of time'in the- booths jthore .will /be congestion and idelays, which /will certainly discommode jtho poll ..clerks, and .may even prevent leomo electors who have little time to ispare from' recording votes. The names i'ot" the candidates are, set out hereunder in exactly the same order pa they will appear on the ballot papers, and electors ;whc desire to save their own time and the time of others might be well advised to cut -the slip out of the paper, mark it as they intend to mark their ballot papers, and use it as a guide at-the booths. iStftfeTsScE preparation..,',as .this. ' before going to tho polling place, would expedite |the voting a very great "deal, .especially tturihg the rush hours at mid-day and after 5 p.m.,

f There will be tivp candidates for the Mayoralty, of whom an elector must vote for one.-. .

I On the ballot paper for the City Council elections there will bo 37 name's, and, as there are 15 vacancies to ba filled, an elector may vote for any : number -of candidates not exceeding fifteen. f'Tlio Harbour Board ballot paper will bear 10 names, and electors may vote for tour candidates or less.

| There will bo 25 names on the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board ballot paper, and as fourteen members are to be elected to the board, electors may vote for any number of ■ candidates not exceeding fourteen.

"'The prescribed way of recording a vote in theso elections is to put a. cross in the square, provided for that purpose on tho ballot paper, opposite tho name of the candidate for whom the elector desires to vote. The voting paper will .still be held to be valid, however, if it ! mdkes abundantly clear what the intention of the voter ivas. If, for instance, a voter prefers to Hrike out' tho' : names of those candidates for 'whom' he> ddes not wish to vote, ho inay do so, but the method of putting a jross opposite the name of every candidate'he favours is the method-lie' is asked to" follow, and it is the method he will ihd'itho easiest 'and the quickest. | The returning officer and all his clerks sill 1 be-greatly;obliged and very greatly issisted in their work if women . . voters, >nd indeed all voters who can convenimtly do so, will register their votes in ;ho "morning before 12 noon. Between loon and 2 p.m., and between's p.m. and ' p.m., people engaged.'in business are; :nro to crowd to the polls, thoso being ihe'only hours of tho day on which many if them are free. , In the morning the xioths mil be nearly empty/ and. those vho can spare the time then will be able :o record their vote with tho minimum of lelay and 'discomfort. - ; ( Following aro .tho names of the candi-. lates in'the various, city .elections - ill' ilphtbetical order as tliey will appear on ;li6 ballot papers:—

MAYORALTY. ! I , Johil Pearee I H'Laren, David CITY COUNCIL. , (Fifteen Vacancies.) !'Atkinson, Arthur Richmond jjlarber, William Henry Peter i fesdfcrd, ; Walter Scott ■■ ! Buddlej Harry ■ Carey, Elijah John ' ! Castle, : John ■Chapman, Charles Henry Cohen, Falk ; Dalrymple, John George Wemyss Dobson, William ; Fitzgerald, John Edward Fletcher, Robert Frost, George • ;Fuller, John, jun. * '\ Godber, James ■ Gordon, Solomon ' ; Hampton, William Henry jHindmarsh, Alfred Humphrey ; Hislop, Thomas Charles Atkinson IHornblow, Andrew Reed (Kennedy, Edward* ■ ' ' ;Luckic, Martin Maxwell Fleming Mackenzie, Francis Wallace IMoriarty, Danisl IM'Kenzie, Leonard S. Wilmor Neave, Thomas , ' . ; • 'jHoot, William Charles r J'erry. William ' . •PgJlbcki John Henry ißeardon, Michael' John Tanner, Cyril William Thompson, William John l.Tregear, Edward Trevor, Jamc3 Williams; Robert Bradford.. _ '■ Wright, Robert" Alexander Young, William Thomas ' HARBOUR BOARD, ■ ■ (Foiir Vacancies.) Bourke, Michael' Francis Carey, Elijah John Farland, George Gray ' Fitzgerald, John Edward Fletcher, Robert. Hindmarsh, Alfred Humphrey ; Hunt, Arthur Leigh .... :.' Reardon, Michael John' . ; Trevor, James "■ .Wright, Robert.Alexander HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD, (Fourteen Vacancies.) Bedford; Walter Scott Campbell, Duncan Carey, Elijah' John .Castle, Frederick " Chapman, Charles Henry pDobson, William' Donaldson, Jane Elliott, James Kennedy Evans, William Albert (Foster, Charles Solomon Mackenzie, Francis Wallaco fflTerritt, William Henry M'Laren, Alberta Dungay M'Laren, David LNash, George

Moot, William Charles Pethorick, George Jennings Platts-Mills, Daisy Elizabeth pearden, Leo Martin Aloysius Reardon, Michael John Richmond, Mary E. i Robertson, David Smith,. John Van Staveron, Herman POLLING PLACES. . Tho polling places aro as follow:— 'adestown Social Hall, Pitt Street hurchroonLv Norfllhud

Sydney Street, St. Paul's Schoolroom Panama Street, Turnbull's Auction Doom Panama Street, Harcourt's Auction Room Town Hall, Cuba Street Waiting Room, 'Wharf, near Custom's Building Kearney's Tea Rooms, Tinakori Road Gliurch Schoolroom, Tinnkori 15oad Churchroom, Upland Rond, Kelburne Churchroom, Aro Slreet Baptist Church, Brooklyn Masonic Hall, Washington Avenue, - Brooklyn Schoolroom, Island Bay, Clyde Street Church Hall. Taiuui Terrace, Marauui O'Donnell's Hall, Kilbirnie Pavilion, Bowling Green, Hataitai Schoolroom, Roseneath Century Hall, Kent Terrace "St. Mark's Schoolroin, DufYorin Street Victoria Hall. Adelaide Road Newtown Library, Revans Street St. Thomas's Schoolroom. Newtown Masonic Hall, Adelaide Road Druids' Hall, Taranaki Street Alexandra Hall, Abel Smith Street St. Peter's Schoolroom, Ghuznee Street Rechabite Hall, Manners Street Motor Garage, Manners Street Congregational Church, Courtenay Place Holliday's Late Shop, Lambton Quay Karori Borough Council Offices, Karori Russell's Tea Rooms, Karon Miramnr Borough Offices, King's Chambers ■ - Town Hall, -Miranmr MTarlane's Store, Miramar Tea Kiosk, Worser Bay Electors should note that the polling hours are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. SUBURBAN ELECTIONS. CANDIDATES AND POLLING PLACES. There will bo uo Mayoral elections in any of the suburban boroughs, as ill no case was more than one candidate nominated for the pflice. At Lower Hutt there will' be no election at all as only the required number of councillors was nominated. _ The nahi'ii of the candidates in the other boroughs, aud the polling places, are as'uiider. The polling booths in all cases will be !qpen from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.':— • PETONE. The electors of Petone have to choose nine councillors from among' the following eleven candidates:— . Anderson,: Alex. Brocklebank, Christopher Parker Cox, William Findlay,. Henry Forsyth, William' Edward Jones, Ralph Hollis List, James William ; : Newland, Stephen John ! -Townsen'd, Thomas Truemau; William Wright, i Hercules Richard The polling places arc at— St. Augustine's Hall, Victoria Street, Petone. ■ Friendly Societies' Hall, Elizabeth' Street, Peione. Schoolroom, ICoro Koro. , . KARORI. Twelve candidates are standing for the nine vacancies on the Karori Borough ■Council, namely— ' . / Boyes, Thomas Reginald Bradnock, William Georg© Burn, Benjamin George H, Cimino, Charles Thomas Davies, Leofrlc Pearson Hamilton; Andrew Henderson, James William Lewer, Edwin Oscar O'Conncll, Francis Leo Pell, Robert' Thomas Skegg, Wilfrid Standen, Edward John The polling-places are as follow:— ' Borough Council Office, Karori. Mr. Russell's Refreshment Rooms, near the Cemetery, Karori.

MIRAMAR. The / following seven- candidates are standing for the six seats on tho Miramax* Borough' Council— 1 Bell, Norris William, • Edwards, George Ferguson. Smith, Henry Alfred. ! Stone, Stanley Mercer. Teitord,' William. ' 1 . Tracy, Michael. Underwood, Sydney Houghton. Tho polling booths will bo situate at:— Tho Office of tho Council, King's Chambers, Wellington. t The Iviosk, Worser Bay. The Town Hall, Miramar. The Terminus Store, Seatoun. ONSLOW. There will be no election of ■ councillors ;for the Khandallah Ward of Onslow Borough, as only the required number was nominated. ,In the other two wards tho electors will have in each case to select three from the following lists:—

NGAIO WARD: Aplin, Christopher, Junior, Bardsley, He'nry. Browne, Louis Alfred. Darvall, George William. Lynneberg, Birger. Monro, Colin, KAIWARRA WARD: 1 Bowden, Charles. Cameron, Lewis Alexander. ■ Cavanagh, Patrick. Gardner, James Caldweil. Munro; Donald. ' The polling places will, bo as under:— NGAIO WARD: The Methodist Churcliroom, Main Road, Ngaio. Tho Onslow Borough Ballanco Street, Wellington.

KAIWARRA WARD Mr. Terreni's house, Victoria Road, "Upper Kaiwarra. The .Methodist . Churcliroom, JPorirua Road, Kaiwarra. The Onslow Borough Office, Ballanco Street, Wellington. The electors of Onslow will also voto oil a proposal ,to raise a loan for ;watersupply purposes, and for this poll an additional booth will bo open for tho convenience of tho electors of Ivhandallah ward at the IChandallah Hall. EASTBOURNE. Twelvo'.candidatci are contesting the eight on the, Eastbourne Borough Council, as under:— Button, Robert Lorimer. Cooper, Joseph Brown. Foley, Henry; Harcourt, Charles James Stanton. Hobbs; William, Kelly, Francis Patrick. Marsden, Harry Oswald Furlong. Pitcher, Thomas William. Preston, Herbert William. Ross, Samuel George. Russell, Charles. Stephen, William Halkett. , The polling booths will be:— Borough Office, 115 Featherston Streot, City. ' Eastbourne Hall, Orua Road, Eastbourne. HARBOUR BOARD. The following are tho candidates for the two seats on tho board representing the suburban boroughs and tlii Hutt and Makara, counties:— Bould, .Robert. M<Stl(es,"Richard. M'Ewan, John William. Scales,' Geo. Herbert. Watson, David James. HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID "BOARD. In view of the fact that Mr. H, Baldwin has been reappointed representative) for the Hutt combined district on. tho Hospital Mid Charitable Aid Board, there is no other election this year for districts other thai Wellington city. Tho sitting members for the HoiWhenna and Makara. counties are Messrs. B. R. Gardener and F. T. Moore, respectively, wlio do not retire this year.

CLOSE OF THE CAMPAIGN.

THE MAYORALTY. MB. LUKE AT WILLIS STREET. Mr. J. P. Luke, candidate for the City Mayoralty, delivered his '■ final address Inst, evening, speaking to an audience of nbout 80 people assembled in the Willis Street Schoolroom. Mr. I'. Ford presided, and candidate received an excellent hearing. In the course of liis remarks Mr. Luke said that one of the necessities for that part of the city was ti recreation ground, and he felt' convinced that tho formation of-tho'proposed road adjacent to the tramline to Brooklyn would not only provide an easy access, but would also provide the necessary spoil for filling-in the adjoining gully and so jreatiiy? a largg playing area, TJia.

speaker also reviewed the main point of i his policy speech, ami enumerated the i enterprises which the city should undertake when tho funds permitted. Jlr. s Luke expressed the hope that the quickening interest evinced b.v the public generally in civic politics would continue, as a healthy stimulus to municipal enterprise. The speaker supported the scheme recently propounded by the City Engineer (Jlr. W. "1. Morton) lor the easing of (he curves round tho Basin Reserve. At the conclusion of his address Mr. Luke was accorded a hearty veto of thanks and confidence. ASSOCIATION TICKET. ENTHUSIASTIC MEETING. In!crest and enthusiasm rather than apathy were (he features of the election meeting at the Concert Chnmber, Town Hall, last night, when several members of the Municipal Electors' Association ticket addressed an audience that numbered between 200 and 300 people. Jlr. J. G. AV. Aitken presided. The speeches by the candidates were brief,- and generally tended in the direction of summarising the situation. From start to finish the speakers were accorded a good hearing and frequently applauded. Questions were asked in several instances, but the meeting was.orderly throughout, and closed, with enthusiasm. Mr. Martin Luekie, who was the first speaker, declared that ho and those on the platform with him deprecated tho introduction of the party system into municipal polities, and were prepared to consider all questions first, last, and always in the interest of the city. After, briefly reviewing the principal grounds on which he came before the electors, Mr. Luckio made a strong appeal to tho electors to record their votes to-day and so guarantee that all classes of tho community vrould be. represented on the new council. Mr. R. A. Wright was in humorous vein during the opening portion of his address, and put forward the reasons for the Labour criticism being directed mainly at him. After replying to criticisms by the Mayor and Jlr. liindmarsli, Mr. Wright said that if elected ho would remember that ho was only the guardian of tho citizens' property, and would strive to servo them to the best of his judgment. Mr. A. Leigh Hunt, a candidate for the Harbour Board, after stressing the importance of having men of business ability to manage the affairs of tho board, and indicating something of the present position referred to those opposed to the ticket. Ho thought that ii' their qualifications were examined ithey would be found to have no business ability at all. They ivero mostly union secretaries, and their business ability, consisted mainly in financing their own salaries through their unions. (Laughter.) , Mr. W. H. P. Barlier adopted a different attitude, from that of tho previous speakers, and proceeded to give an account of his stewardship during tho term ho had been on the council—some eighteen years. Referring to tho many works that had been undertaken during 'that period, he said : he did'not take any particular credit for them, but clalilied to have always taken a progressive view of things, and would take the same view in the futurfe. Mr. J. Godbcr also gave an, account of what had happened during his term in the council, and claimed to have assisted in tho progressive works that hail been undertaken. He disapproved of large profits on the trams, and considered, that further concessions in fares could now bo made. The Lighting Department ho considered required thoroughly- reorganising, and if a competent business manager wero placed at its head tho returns would bo increased ahd better light assured. Mr. T. C. A. Hislop made a few remarks upon general grounds. Ho commented on tho attitude of the Labour party in trying to capture the whole of the seats, and concluded with a sJtrong appeal to all to 'record their votes, pointing out that the danger to tho city lay not in tho size of the Labour party-, but in the apathy of thoso outside the Labour party. THE LABOUR MEN. s DIG MEETING IN DRUIDS' HALL. A DISTURBANCE. , CANDIDATE AND THE LIQUOR QUESTION. A number of the Labour candidates for the City Council and the Harbour Board addressed a crowdcd meeting' in the Druids' Hall last night. The candidates who spoke were Messrs. D. M'Laren, W, H. Hampton, W. Scott Bedford, A. 11. Hornblow, M. J. Rea'rdoii, C. H. Chapman, A. H. Hindinarsh, J. G. W. Dalrymple, E.-Kennedy, E. Tregear, W. T. Young, E. J. Carey, and Dr. F. W. Mackenzie. Mr. W. Jladdison was chairman.

Everything went well until questions were invited after all the candidates had finished then- very brief addresses, and' then there was pandemonium. The uproar was so serious that on one occasion the chairman threatened to close the meeting down, and 011 several others it appeared (.hat the disorder would never 1)0 quelled sufficiently to enable the meeting to be carried on again. One of the candi'intes, Mr. J. G. Dalrymple, who has been -in organiser for the liquor party prior to the local option poll, referred in terms which need not bo repented to another candidate who had dared to suggest that Mr. Dalrymple's association with the liquor ring disqualified liiin as a democratic candidate. He discussed the general question also, saying that his connection with the liquor trade was purely a' matter of business. A young man rose to ask a question in tlie audience. He did not put his question as clearly as lie might have done, but he was understood to question Mr. Dalrymple's bona-fides as a democrat, in view of the fact that ho supported a trade for the extinction of which in the Dominion a majority of 55,000 people had voted at Inst poll. Immediately there was disorder on and off the stage. There was violent protesting 1 in the audience, apparently against any unfriendly questioner. There were cries of "Get out!" and "Sit down!" and indistinguishable noises and cries . which were certainly not friendly. On tho stage the chairman declared: "There's no question," and other candidates, sitting with Jlr. Dalrymple, wero plainly agitated. Some of them tried to persuado Mr. Dalry;:. r :'.e not to answer, but he would not be suppressed, and the noise went on until a well-known Prohibitionist, who is also a Labour supporter, stated the question again a little more precisely. Then Mr. Dalrymple replied. "My advice to Labour is this," 110 said. "You have one objective, and that is to benefit Labour. Leave out all questions of license and 110-license, leave out Bible-in-sehools, leave out military training, and concentrato on one thing—tho advancement and benefit of Labour. Having achieved that, then it will bo time to go on with those other questions. I have signed tho Labour platform, and I will stand by it and fight for it." A man ill the audience had barely begun to ask a question which seemed to have a bearing on majority rule when Mr. M'Laren rose and exclaimed excitedly: "I protest against this attempt to drag the liquor question into municipal politics." _ , The chairman called to the man: "Will ynu kindly sit down?" and scores of other people shouted to him unkindly to sit down. The young man, when ho saw that his question was: causing such a commotion, said he had no dosire (o disturb the •meeting, and he sat down. The chairman then said that 110 question not concerning municipal affairs would bo allowed. A voice in the audience: Then if Jlr. Dalrymple makes statements, we can't Another young man: Aro you going to bulldoso and bully-rag the people that aro speaking? Tho chairman: Wiil you sit down? The young man: "No, I will not sit down" (and he did not sit down). Mr. M'Laren came down from the platform and persuaded the man to bo quiet, but his silence was very brief. Again there was a question for Mr. Dalrymple, and the chairman said tho liquor question must mrt bo discussed. A voice: What did lie speak about the liquor question for? "What did he insult tho No-License pooplo for? Another question had been put, and Mr. Mcrritt was answering when the noisy interrupter who would not sit down rose and said he wished to ask a question. Mr. Mcrritt: Sit down, anil don't lot me have to come down there (0 you. The interrupter: Come down now. You won't have it all your own way. He was still wailing for Mr. Mcrritt In come down when a woman siding near by pulled him back into his chair. j(sftV wwlWt - jl lienjiud afterwards^

for some minutes, until Messrs. Kennedy and Rearden put (lie man out. He went very quietly, and practically no violence was necessary. During the disturbance caused tho chairman threatened to close down the meeting, but after the noisy ono's ejection there was no cause for alarm. Somo other questions were asked and answered, and i lien, on, the motion of Mr. IC. Gaudy, a vote of thanks and confidence was declared carried. There was a loud chorus of "Ayes" ami a smaller chorus of very loud "Noes.'' The motion Has undoubtedly carried. The meeting closed with cheers for Labour.

TRAMWAYS DEPRECIATION.

A LIVELY MEETING. AIR. WILFORD AND THE MAYOR. DIVIDED OPINIONS. i The meeting of electors held in tho Sydney Street Schoolroom last evening had unusual features which almost justified the term unique applied to it by ono of the candidates who spoke. About three hundred electors attended, and the chairman was Jlr. T. JI." Wilford, JI.P. As originally advertised, the meeting was one at which Jlr. W. Perry was to deliver an address in support of his candidature for tha City Council, but tho programme was greatly extended before tho evening ran its course. The speakers who successively occupied the platform iicluded the Jiayor, an ex-Jlayor (Jlr. Will'ord), three new candidates for tho council, and three sitting councillors, who are also candidates, 'i'lic proceedings at times were lively, but everyone got a tair hearing, and tliero was no disorder. Alt tho candidates were heartily applauded. i-

In the course of his opening address, the chairman (Mr. Wiltord) read tho following Utter (dated April 29), which ho had addressed to the Jiayor on tho subjcct of the tramway depreciation fund:

"I notice by tho daily papers that in the courso of your address you. stated when dealing with-tramway matters that 'it had to U'- recognised that prior to his becoming Jiayor all the money of tho depreciation fund had been used up, amounting to .ES9.ollo.'' This ° statement carries with it a suggestion that the money had been used up either illegally or at any rato improperly. For the sake of yourself and myself, as wo wero both members of tho administration at that time, and aro therefore partially responsible, if there be any responsibility, for wrongdoing, which I emphatically deny, please make tho following facts public tonight at your meeting: —

(1) That you and I and Mr. Luke aro all responsible for tho "position," whatever the position is.

(2) That tho following sums had been expended by the council in new works etc., out of depreciation fund and revenuo up to March 31, 1912:—

, £ Electric cars 30,519 Other rolling-stock l,2Si> Electric equipment of lines 2,911 Additions to power station 23.778 New buildings J5,!i91 Land purciiases 11,828 Extensions of track D.3H3 Extensions of power supply 1,791 Workshop tools and machinery ... fiG-l Automatic point controllers 570 Car-building workshop and plant 1,202 Office furniture 1-15 Purchaso (part) Miramar lines within city boundary 4,212

<£105,620 ■v JC Contributions from depreciation fund 87,!>G0 Contribution) from revenue 18,060 .£105,G20 "I always hold that the object of a depreciation fund is to provido for loss of capital arising from tho wearing out of property representing capital expenditure. Therefore, tho expenditure of a depreciation fund in capital works is proper, as it keeps up the original capital value. If you agree with this proposition you must applaud tho procedure. If you do not agree .with this proposition, what is tho object of a depreciation fund? No less than .£30,519 had been expended ou electric cars, laud purchases for the tramway concern represents .£11,1526; new buildings representing £15.381, among which is tho Tramway Ofiico opposite Lumbton Knilway Station, while additions to the power station run into no less than ,£25,778. You surely would not suggest that while the capital value of the power station is increased by this expenditure, tho whole concern should not be credited with the increased capital value. When? you and I talk of HllO valno that the tramway concern represents to tho city we should not forget to tell tho public that the largo increase in that capital value is brought about to 11 great extent by the additions made to that capital through the expenditure of the depreciation fund in it.

"I feel quite sure that you did not intend to convey any improper suggestion, and I feel equally certain that, for the sako of tho old administration of which

I was the head and you were a member, you will take the opportunity this evening of putting . this matter Tight.— (Signed) THOMAS SI". WJLFORD."

Mr.' Wilford said that lie thought this was a fair letter for an ex-Mayor to write to ti present Mayor. It was not at all abusive. As one who had been Mayor until Mr. M'Laren took charge, he wished to say that not one dissentient voice had been raised against the uses to which the depreciation fund had been put. It seemed to him that it would bo wrong to go out and borrow when such a fund was available. Enter tho Mayor. Having finished his oxplauaion, Mr. Wilford introduced Mr. W. Perry as a candidate for election lo tho council. At 8.35 p.m., when Mr, l'erry had been speaking ."'or ten minutes, the Maj-or (Mi;. D. M'Laren) entered tho hall, ami approached tho platform. "I don't want to interfere with this meeting," he said, "but 1 want to appeal lo this audience to allow me to explain a matter which- I have been, asked by the chairman of this meeting to explain." (Applause.) Mr. M'Laren added that he had como as quickly as possible from Kilbirnie, and had to speak at tho Druids' Hall at nino o'clock. At L3O that afternoon, lie continued, when lie was at a meeting of tho Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, ho liad received a letter from Mr. Wilford. On taking up the evening paper, lie had found flint Mr. Wilford was to be chairman of this meeting, and was advertised to deal with statements on the subject cf the depreciation fund which had been made by the Mayor. Mr. AVilford and members of the audience stated at this point that tho letter which Mr. M'Laren held had been road. Mr. M'Laren said that he could not havo dealt with tlio matter until Ml'. 'Wilford had dealt with it. Mr. W:lford: I only read the letter. They world not have got it until to-inor-row morning's paper if I had not. (Ap-

plause.) Mr. M'liaren said that the meeting hnd beon advertised that morning, but he had only received the letter that afternoon. An eleclor: What's tho point? Mr. Wilford: 1 never advertised nny

n.eeting. Mr. M'Laren: I will answer the statement as briefly and directly as possible. lij- war of introduction f want to say (liat throughout tho. whole campaign T have never mentioned Mr. \\ ilford's nnmn or that of any of my predecessors in office. Sir. M'J.aren now lo read Mr. Wilford's letter and to comment upon it. Ho denied (liat he had nt any time ever susßested that the use which' had been made of the depreciation fund was; illegal. "A Bad Business." Mr. \V:ilford:«Then why did you say it ,was a bad business? Mr. M'J.artm: A matter may be bad business nnd yet quite legal. I think you, as a lawyer, ought tfi know that. He went on to say that Mr. Wilford had said that he (Mr. M'Laren) and Mr. I.uke must each share the responsibility of what had been done willi (ho depreciation fund. "In the very same speech," said Mr. M'J.aren, "I said that Mr. Luke must take his share of tlie responsibility with myself, for what had been done with the depreciation funds. My share of the responsibility, however, was not equal to that, of either Mr. AVilford or Mr. Luke, I was not a member of the Tramways Committee, whereas these two gentlemen were.

As Mr. M'r.aren was proceeding wilh ■Ji is explanaliou an elector at I lie back of I lie lull asked (o hi' permitted to pill a question. Mr» .WilionU AX ceitaiulj; not.

Tho elector: All right! I will meet you later.

-Mr. M'Laren said that prior to the last -Mayoral election ho had said that he considered it a mistake to use tho whole of the depreciation moneys without leaving any reserve for renewal purposes. As |o Mr. Will'ord's .statement nbuut replacing (lie capital of the original loans he would point out that the pureha.se of the Miramar line.-: within (he city boundary, the expenditure of ,£11,826 in the purchase ol land and expenditure ip)on new buildings did not come withili v.liis category. The.-e ileius of cxpendilure in ordinary course should have been met out ol capital. Mr. M'Laro.i was applauded a.-; he concluded his explanation, lie thanked his Hearers for their, courtesy, and repeated that throughout, the whole campaign ho jiatl made no reflection upon Jlr. Wilford. lie hoped the latter would recognise that lie hail been justified in coming along to make his explanation. (Crie;> of "No!") Mr. M'Laren said that ho had done it as a man bceause he had been challenged. A Conflict of Opinion Mr. Wilford said that ho considered his letter as fair a letter as had ever been written. Mr. M'Laren's exploitation showed that he did not understand the A B C of finance. -Mr. .M'Laren. caul he did 'lot see eyo to eye on this question. He (Mr. Wilford) had not advertised this meeting, nor any,ether meeting, at this election. Mr. M'Laren hod only made the .statement (with which the letter dealt) on the previous day. As soon as he (Jlr. Wilioi'd) read it in tho evening paper ho wrote the letter, and sent- it to (lie town clerk, with instructions that it should be ( delivered forthwith to the ' Mayor. Jlr. Jl'Laren was in. the council when nso was made of the depreciation funds, but had not once voted against it. J It. M'Laren now again, thanked his auditors and withdrew.

Jlr. Wilford invited Jlr. Perry to resume.

Jlr. Ferry: J don't think a candidate has ever had .such a considerable amount of fun at his meeting. It does not often happen io a candidate to have a Mayor and ex-Mayor disputing on his platform. SPEECHES BY CANDIDATES, J JIR. W. PERRY. In tho'ecurso of his address, which was interrupted as indicated, Mr. Perry expressed & hopo that the stigma of apathy v.'hich had rested upon the citizen electors of Wellington in the past would be removed on this occasion. This was ono of the most, strenuous campaigns in the history of Wellington, a state of. affairs duo in part to the fact that Labour had nominated a council ticket of 15, and partly to the fact that so many young candidates had come forward to oiler their services. He took a final opportunity of denying that he stood as a nominee of sports bodies. The present council, Mr. Perry declared, had indulged in a considerable amount of useless wrangling, aud had acquired a reputation for passing resolutions and rescinding them at the next meeting. The 'present financial condition of the city and of the Dominion made any large borrowing policy in the immediate future impossible. In seeking election he made no wild promises, but if elected ho Would try to do his duty.. Jlr. Ferry was unanimously accorded a vote of thanks and confidence. COUNCILLOR L. M'KENZIE. Councillor L. MMvonzio, who was tho next speaker, defended the administration >of tho retiring council, claiming that not one of its members need bo ashamed of tho way in which he had served tho city. The coming year, he said, would not bo one of large works?' The only big undertaking that called for iiumcdiato notice was the completion of tho big drain at Island Bay. Ho advocated a classification scheme for corporation employees which would ensure promotion by merit and not by mere length of service. Each of tho city reserves should bo 'tinder tho control of its caretaker, who should bo responsible for its proper maintenance mid upkeep. ' MR. JI. LUCK lE. Mr. Luckio spoko on .the lines of his preViois addresses, deprecating tho introduction of party spirit into municipal politics and offering himself as a candidate who would independently represent tho city as a whole. Ho was not in favour of leasing to any private club any portion of the present recreation reserves. Ho favoured Mr. Jlorton's scheme of Jealing with the Basm Reserve. 110 was in favour of leasing portions of tho Town Belt.

MR. H. BUDDLE. Mr. H. Buddlo mentioned that tho candidates Wore the meeting wcro all old boys of Wellington College, and assured his hearers that tho old boys would play tho gamo in municipal politics as they had done at school. COUNCILLORS FITZGERALD AND FULLER. Councillors Fitzgerald and Fuller, who ivere present, were invited by the chairman to mount the platform, and each delivered a brief address on municipal matters. Councillor FitzgeraldNlefended tho work of tho past term, and invited electors to give him another opportunity of serving them. Councillor Fuller said that during tho past year ho had done- his best for the city. He confessed that ho had had a good time. Sometimes he had como into conflict with other councillors ami with the Mayor, but nono of them were any tho worse for it. Oil tho .motion'of the chairman tho candidates were thanked for their addresses.

EASTBOURNE ELECTION.

ADDRESSES. About 200 electors of Eastbourne attended a meeting which was held in the local hall on Monday evening, when four of tho candidates for tho council delivered addresses. Mr. W. 11. Stephen advocated municipal control of tho boats and a system of water supply. Whether he was elected or not, he meant to attend tho meetings of tho new council, and, if necessary, agitate that tho works sanctioned by" them might bo properly carried out. Mr. F. I'. ltclly, barrister and solicitor, said that he was in favour of municipal control of the ferry service, and, if possible, of acquiring tile interests of tlio Ferry Company should it -be thought fit. If, however, it became necessary to run in opposition to the present system, he was of opinion that it would pay. Tho water supply was a secondary though important question, and, ho feared, would havo to stand over for tho present. 110 favoured amalgamation with Day's Bay, as tho interests of tho two boroughs wero identical. Mr. H. Foley claimed that he was tlio only practical candidate with a knowledge of public works. The acquisition of the ferry service by tho borough, as indicated by the previous speakers, was his chief aim. With regard to surface drainage, lie pointed out that by tho expenditure of a reasonable sum of money present storm water nuisances' could be avoided, ilo advocated (he upkeep and repair of roads out of revenue. Mr. .11. Marsden, who said ho came forward as a ratepayer and rtsident possessing useful business knowledge, expressed the opinion (hat some of tho vacancies on the council should be filled by young men. Jle pointed out that monopolies acted to the detriment of any section of tiie community, anil the ferry tarvico at present was a monopoly. The necessary loan would bo productive— most probably to tho extent of a fair surplus—ami in llu municipal control of the l;uats the borough would bo indircctly reconipensed by tho visitors lo the bay, who at present iiad the _uso of their improvements and conveniences gratis. A water supply was necessary, but should be held over until the ferry service was in a paying position. Bathing sheds were wanted, and if it was impossible to pay for same out of,revenuo they should «bo added lo tho first loan. A licarly vote of thanks and confidence to the candidates was carried unanimously. NAPIER' & ITS HARBOUR. Mil. JULL CALLS PUBLIC MEETING. (By Telegraph.—l'reijs Association.) Hastings, April 29. Mr. A. E. .lull, chairman of tho Napier Harbour Board, addressed a large audience in 'the Princess Theatre last evening. lie dealt exhaustively with the harbour uueslion from its inception to ihe present lime. Ho slated that the hoard would seek for legislation next session enabling it to appeal lo Ihe ratepayers for a"'loan to construct an inner harbour, in accordance with the plans submitted by Mc-ii's. rullon anil Keclo, the Australian engineers, .ivlw reported on tlio auestiou

somo timo back. Mr. .lull criticised the arguments of tlio breakwater advocates, who are led by Uio Hon. J. D. Oruiond and Mr. J. Vigor Brown. At the conclusion of liis speech lantern slides showing tin; plan of the proposed harbour and also depicting tlio present breakwater in a storm were screened. Tlio meeting unanimously thanked Mr. Jul!, and endorsed tlio board's policy. AT WANGANUI. SEVEN ISSUES TO DECIDE (By Tcl?f?raph— Special Correspondent.) , Wanganui, April 29. Seven issues will be decided at to-mor-row's municipal elections. In addition to tlio contests for tlia Mayoralty, Council, Harbour and Hospital Boards, there aro to bo two ratepayers' polls—for the WangaKast and Aramoho tramway extension loans, and an electors' poll on tlio halfholiday question. Tho latter is causing very keen interest, and has been the subject of a warm press controversy. CANDIDATES' ANNOUNCEMENTS. Tlio final announcements of tho various candidates at to-day's elections will bo found on Page 11 of this issue. Tlio policies and records of many of tlio candidates are there set out, and should aid electors in finally deciding for whom they will cast their votes. JOTTINGS. Mr. D. M'Laren, retiring Mayor, was asked a question about tlio leases of sections of the Town Belt to a bowling cl«b and a' croquet club at Kelbiirno at tlio meeting in tho Druids' Hall last night. Mr. M'Laren replied: "No lease of the land has been granted yet, and I appeal to you to put" tlio Labour party in, and they will prevent this pieco of land from being filched from tho city."

Die other candidates have told you that this question of the municipal election is not a class question, but they have told you that to mislead you," said Mr. AV. Maddisou, chairman at the meeting addressed by labour candidates last night. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is a class question, and there are only two classes in the world to-day, Labour—and others."

' I have been an engineer. I used to drive a team of bullocks. (Laughter.) In the old days, down in.Otago, it took somo 'engineering to get a team of bullocks along, and a good deal of public speaking, too."—Dr. P. W. Mackenzie, at tho Druids' Hall last night, where lie was speaking as a Labour candidate.

A Labour candidate (Mr. C. H. Chapman) made a joke about tile ill-smelling, evil-tasting water coming through the mains of the city. He did not mean the joke; lie was in deadly earnest; and lie laid the blame for tie impurity upon tho present City Council. He had been assured, ho said, that there was an epidemic in tho town caused by the impure stuff coming through • the mains. A voice: "Take whisky with it." Mr. Chapman: "But some of us can't afford whisky. It may be all very well if you can dilute tho stuff." He went on to declare, with mucli feeling, that if any children should die from tho effects of this water, their deaths would be at'the door of tho City Council.

At tho Mt. Cook School last ovening, speeches in support of their candidature for the City Council were delivered by Messrs. G. Frost, H. Buddie,' W. J. Thompson, and A. E. Atkinson. Mr. TV. Burbidgo presided. Tho meeting was in every Wijy successful tho various addresses being attentively listened to.

Messrs. It. A. and A. Leigh Hunt addressed open-air meetings in Cuba Street and at Courtenay Placß Inst evening. At each place tho candidates attracted a largo number of auditors, and were given a good hearing.

At tho Newtown School last night Mr. D. Mo?iarty, an Independent candidate for a seat 011 tho City Council, delivered an address to the doctors. There wero over 100 pooplo present, and over tlioso Mr. E. J. I'itzgibbon presided. The meeting was a very cutlvusiastic one. During his address the candidate said that ho disagreed. with the present arrangement of tram sections so far-as it affected Newtown. Ho thought that tho first section should end at tho Basin 'Reserve and tho second at the Royal Oak. (Applause.) Mr. Moriarty was asked a good number of questions, and most of his answers wero heartily applauded. On tho motion of Mr. 1 ? . Jennings, seconded by Mr. T. Tyree, tho candidate was accorded a vote of thanks and confidence, amidst enthusiastic applause.

During his address to tiro electors Mr. J. H. Pollock mentioned tliat through Uia efforts the Wanganui water supply had been purified. As tho result of his Btatement, a deputation of householders waited upon him last evening, and drew his attention to the present nauseous condition of tho city water supply, Mr. l'ollock promised the deputation that if elected ho would forthwith, make searching inquiries, with a view to improvement. He agreed that tho condition of the water supply was serious, especially to householders unprovided witli filters.

Mr. R. Bould, of Johnsonville, is a candidate for a seat on the Harbour Board at to-day's election. It i» claimed that Mr. Bould's long connection with local government and other important public positions should justify tho electors that, as one of their representatives, ho should make a very useful member.

The results of the elections will .be thrown on the screen at His Majesty's Theatre this evening.