THE GENERAL ELECTIONS.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2493, 11 February 1871, Page 2

THE GENERAL ELECTIONS.

MR JAGO AT PORT CHALMERS,

In accordance with the notice given by Mr Jago yesterday at the nomination of candidates for the representation of Fort Chalmers in the General Assembly, a public meeting was held last evening in Crickmore’s Royal Assembly Rooms. Mr H. M ‘Derm id, before introducing the speaker, stated the object of the meeting, and explained, though he occupied the chair, he was a supporter of Mr V aeandrew. He hoped the meeting would give Mr Jago a fair, patient, and impartial hearing.—(Loud applause.) Mr Jago said he would have to repeat, for the information of those who were not present at the nomination, the reasons why he appeared before them to obtain their suffrages. He had no doubt but that they would show him that spirit of fair play which characterised Britons, and accord him a fair and impartial hearing. Though previously known to some, he was a stranger to the constituency, and his position was alto gcth'T novel, as it was the first time that he had had stood as a candidate on a political platform, cxcejxt on an occasion when he had contested municipal honors, and was unsuccessful. He was not prepared to enter minutely into some of the great questions so important to this Province, as he had intended to make his address on the following day, and would then have been better provided with memoranda; but though he had staled that he came as a stranger, he had received invitations from the electors of Port Chalmers and Blueskin, ami wished them to know that ho opp .scd Mr Macandrew on purely political grounds. It had been stated to him that afternoon that this was a pocket borough—one that a person might com 3 to after having been defeated elsewhere ; but that no one had a chance here against Mr Maeandrew. He did not believe that was the case, and was satisfied that there were free and independent electors at llio Port as elsewhere, as the ballot-box would show. In the present general election no seat as yet had been so undervalued as not to be contested ; and lie hoped that he would be able to intelligently lay before tli--m sufficient reasons why he had contested this. lie did not wish to say anything against Mr Macandrew. He had acted against Mr Macandrew in 1867, when he contested the Superintendency ; but when he was elected by the voice of the people he opposed the action taken by the General Government in regard to the Goldfields ; and at a meeting held in the Princess Theatre, in which M r Main took a prominent part, in favor of Mr Macandrew, lie (Mr Jago) supported him, and supported the Superintendent by his vote on the plebiscite. He desired to avoid all reference to any subject that would affect the question of the Superintendency. He then entered at great length into the Railway and Public Works Act, which he severely criticised, asserting that unless it was modified, great injustice would be done to the M iddle Island. 11 e next passed in review the effects produced by the action of the General and Provincial Governments during the last few years. Mr Macaudrcw’s past policy on the Land Question (which he determinedly opposed), if carried out, would have had the effect of placing large tracts of the best laud into the hands of capitalists, instead of putting the laud into the possession of the people, thereby creating in Otago a landed aristocracy. The Hundreds Act was without parallel in the annals of any country under the sun. He objected to it in extenso, and if elected to the General Assembly—(laughter) -would endeavor to obtain the repeal of that obnoxious Act, and would open up the whole question of the Land Act. Mr Jago spoke for a considerable time on questions relative to the Lorn Allocation Repeal Act, 1867. and other matters, and was attentively listened to, and concluded by thanking the meeting for the patient and attentive hearing that had been accorded him, and stated whatever were the results of the contest, he would ever remember gratefully the gentlemanly reception be had met from the the electors of Port Chalmers.

In reply to qu r stions, lie said : Of the efficiency of the Volunteer system, as at present established, he had grave doubts; it was very well to hear about having to defend “our hearths ami homes;” while we were at peace we should not incur the expense, and if prepared for war we should moat likely get into it than if we were not. As to paying Colonel Harrington’s salary, and providing ammunition for Volunteer practise—if it was found desirable to maintain in efficiency the Volunteer system, he would treat the Volunteers liberally ; and an inspector with a suitable salary should be maintained. He should not now vote for the separation of Southland, but would be in favor of the construction of the Provinces of each island into one Province. We could do with less Government, and save the expense. He was not in favor of indiscriminate immigration, but was in favor of the payment of members, as non-payment of members tended t) place the governing powers into tiie hands of capitalists. Several other questions having been asked and answered, Mr Hansford said he felt quite delighted that on an enemy coming into the camp lie had obtained so favorable a hearing. He moved, “That the thanks of the meeting arc due to Mr Jago for so clearly, fairly, ai d gentlemanly stating his views ; but that this meeting do not accord its sympathy with the policy enunciated by him, and do not thi .k him a lit man to oppose Mr Maeandrew.” The motion was seconded by Sir Toms.

An amendment by Mr John Smith, seconded by Mr Thomas Parkinson, “That the words in the latter part of Mr Mansford's motion, ‘do not think him a lit man, 1 &c. f be struck out, and the words ‘that the thanks of this meeting, 1 &c., stand as proposed by Mr Mansford,” was carried by a largo majority. A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the proceedings.