THE PROVINCIAL COUNCIL ELECTION.

Dunstan Times, Issue 465, 17 March 1871, Page 3

THE PROVINCIAL COUNCIL ELECTION.

Dunstan District. The nomination of candidates for tho representation of the Dunstan District in tho Provincial Council took place on Tuesday last, at the Court House, Clyde. Between forty and fifty persons were present. The Returning Officer, Mr. Pyke, read the writ and advertisement, and called upon those present to nominate candidates, Mr. Michael M‘Guineas proposed and Mr. James Hazlett seconded Mr. Thomas Luther Shepherd.

Dr. John Duncan Niven was nominated by Mr, George Faohe, and seconded by Mr. Marshall.

Mr. Robert Barlow proposed Mr. Samuel Corter Worth. The nomination was seconded by Mr. J. TJ. Cambridge. Mr. Shepherd said he had much pleasure in appearing before those assembled as a candidate for a seat in the Provincial Council. When he was returned by a large majority for the General Assembly he determined to do his liest for the Dunstan District He thought it his duty to stand for the Provincial Council, as, with his experience, he could do more to advance the interests of the district than any novice. He niight mention that he' had been presented with requisitions from various parts of the district signed by many who had opposed his candidature for the House of Representatives. They 7 were all acquainted ■with his views, and he would not then detain them by a recapitulation thereof. During the four years he had represented the Goldfields he had never neglected their interests, and he intended for the future to follow the same course as hitherto. He felt confident, at the end of twelve months, they would be satisfied with his conduct. In regard to the cry raised for a local man, he considered that having been elected by them to the House of Representatives, ho was their local man for the next four years. For tho last four years he had served them without place or pay, and he was sure they would support him and place him at the head of the poll. Dr. Niven said that Mr. Shepherd endeavored to make capital out of the fact that he had been member for the Goldfields for the last four years, and had been returned for the General Assembly. However much he might congratulate Mr. Shepherd on these facts, he did not think he could do the same to ‘the 'Histl\ct. He considered that the distrio(jJßeltV than any stranger. For the last eight or twi years nothing had been done compared to rwhat might have been achieved. He considered that, in regard to the goldfields, onr legislators had been* very remiss. Their agricultural lands were locked up, the goldfields roads were neglected, and nothing had been done to secure a water-supply. If elected he would endeavor to procure a proper water-supply, passable roads, a liberal land law, a sufficient number of wardens and police in the district, and financial separation. He would leave further remarks, as be intended to hold a public meeting before the day of tho poll.

Mr. Barlow apologised for the non-ap-pearance of Mr. Worth, who was busily engaged in getting in his crops. He (Mr. Barlow) considered that Mr. Shepherd had no right to be iu the field, as that gentleman had distinctly promised both Mr. Worth and himself that lie would not stand for the Provincial Council. (Mr. Shepherd :No !) He hoped the electors would show their appreciation of Mr. Shepherd's conduct by placing him at the bottom of the poll. Mr. Shepherd explained that Mr. Barlow, with several ather electors, had waited upon him, requesting him to become a candidate for the Provincial Council, and that Mr. Barlow told him that ho would endeavor to induce Mr. Worth to retire. That gentleman afterwards informed him Mr. Worth refused to retire. He (Mr.Shepherd)never made any promise that he would not stand for tho Provincial Council.

Mr. Barlow was about to reply, but the Returning Officer said he cuuid not allow any discussion on the matter to take place. A show of hands was then called for, and resulted in favor of Mr. Shepherd, Dr. Niven demanded a poll, which the Returning Officer announced would betaken on Wednesday, the 22nd instant. A vote of thanks to the Returning Officer, paoposed by Mr. Shepherd and seconded by Dr. Niven, terminated the proceedings.