THE GENERAL ELECTIONS.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2492, 10 February 1871, Page 2

THE GENERAL ELECTIONS.

POET CHALMERS. Tbe nomination of candidates for the representation of Port Chalmers in the General Assembly, took place to-day, at noon. There were between sixty and seventy persons present ; and Mr W. Reid, the returning officer, presided. The following nominations were made : James Macandrew, proposed by H. Dench, seponded by Thomas A. Mspisfqrd. John Jago, proposed by Thomas Parkinson, seconded by Francis Smith. Mr Jagg briefly addressed the electors. He said that he considered it of the greatest importance that certain questions, affecting the welfare of the constituency, should be discussed; and it was in order that those questions might be discussed that he had come forward. He opposed Mr Macandrew on broad principles, apd not Op pepsopal grounds. Ho Had opposed him in 1807, but had voted for the delegation of the Governor’s powers to him in that year. He differed with Mr Macandrew on the financial scheme and the land question. After some interruption, Mr Jago intimated that he would answer questions, and would address a public meeting at the Port this evening, when he would go fully into the principal questions now being agitptgd. Mr J. Toms i You being a legislator in embryo, and having stated that you are opposed to the financial scheme of the present Government, perhaps you will he good enough to state if you would be prepared to propound any scheme of your own. Mr Jago : I will reply in the words of a great statesman, who, when asked a similar question in the House of Commons, said “ when he was prepared with his scheme he would no doubt be sent for.” (A Voice; That won't do.}

At this point Mr Jago Avas asked to enlarge upon the questions onAvhich he differed from Mr MacatulrcAV. The proposal led to considerable confusion, a portion of the electors being of opinion that he should defer making a speech until the evening; whilst others Avere as determined that in fair play he should he alloAved to speak until 4 o’clock, if necessary. Mr HJaijO said that if he Aveve allowed to express his feelings, he should say it Avould be better tp allow him to answer any questions that might ho put. Seeing that Mr Macandrew Avas sure of being returned, they could not he afraid pf giving him a fair field and no favor. Tf that Avere given him, and Mr Macandrew Avere returned by thp largo majority his friends appeared to think he Avould have, his position Avould be strength-, ened, and the electors would shoAV their oivn strength. Mr Toms; I believe, sir, at a meeting of Mr Reid’s committee last CA’ening, it Avas decided that upon your shoulders should rest the responsibility of contesting this election. Do you como down here as a nominee ?

Mr Jago : I conic here as the nominee of the gentleman Avho proposed me—(Cries of “ That’s no answer “ Yes or no.”)

Mr Toms ; Do you contest the election as the nominee of Mr Reid’s committee ? Mr Jagg : I assert that that it is not fair question—(Cries of “ Quite fair,” and “ No, no,”) If you wish me to answer the question, I am a supporter of Mr ffeid in his candidature for the Snpcrintcndoncy ; but I contend that question and ttye question of a representative in the General Assembly are entirely different things, and I wish that we

shall sail clear of all questions which may arise in connection with the Superintendeucy. I decline to answer the question whether I am the nominee of Reid’s committee, and should decline to answer the question whether I am the nominee of any committee ; nor did I think Mr Toms had any right to ask such a question. It does not affect in the slightest degree the principles which I am here to represent, or the policy I shall propound. Resides, he appears to be so well informed in the matter, that I do not know why ho asks the information.

A show of hands was taken with the following resultMacandrevv, 34 ; Jago, 4. Mr Jago demanded a poll, which will be taken on the loth.