THE SUPERINTENDENCY.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2498, 17 February 1871, Page 2

THE SUPERINTENDENCY.

MU UEtt) AT POUT CHALMERS. Mr Donald Reid, as a candidate for the Superintenclency, last night addressed the electors of Port Chalmers, in Crickmore’s Royal Assembly Rooms. The meeting was well attended, and considerable interest shown throughout. Mr M'Dcrmid was Voted to the chair. Mr Reid objected to Mr M'Dcrmid acting as chairman, if Mr M‘Dermid was allowed to put questions, as Mr M'Dcrmid had been, and was, politically opposed to him. Mr M'Dcrmid declined to occupy the chair unless on his own terms ; he had acted on other occasions as chairman at public meetings, when he was politically opposed to the speakers, and had endeavored to act impartially ; and if he acted on this occasion he would endeavor to do the same, reserving the right to ask any question of tie' speaker as he might deem advisable. Mr Reid Would not consent to this, and great delay and confusion resulted iii consequence. The meeting supported Mr M'Dermid, and to facilitate the proceedings several chairmen were proposed and seconded ; but the meeting would not accept the proposals. Finally Mr Riid yielded to the desire of the meeting, and on Mr M'Dcrmid re-occupying the chair, he said that as Mr Reid bad yielded to the meeting he would not assert the claim to the right which had been contended for, and hoped the meeting would give Mr Reid an attentive and impartial hearing. Mr Reid commenced bis address by saying that, in appearing before the electors of Port Chalmers that night, he felt it his duty to address them on those important political questions which were agitating the minds of the people, and to briefly state what the Executive had been doing for the last eighteen mpnths. Whether they agreed with him or not, when they had heard him (he hoped to have a fair and impartial hearing), he trusted that the electors would express their opinions on those questions. He regretted that he had heard views had been pronounced and statements circulated which were said to be liis, but to which he was entirely opposed. He then proceeded, at great length jto discuss the Public Works and immigration Bilk' pointing out the manner in wliigh, in his opinion, it shqulcl he modified \ the native policy j and the land question. He continued to enlarge on various topics until reminded by an elector of the lateness of the hour. Several questions were asked and answered. A motion was then proposed, and carried by a large majority—''That Mf Rejcl be thanked for his address, but that this meeting clues not pledge its aupport to him as a candidate for the Superintendency." Mr Reid thanked the meeting for the attention and courteous hearing he had received. The meeting closed with three pheers for Mr Macaudrew and three groans for the Baity Times. MU REID AT PORTOBELLO. Mr Reid met the electors at the Schoolhouse, Portobello, at 3 p.ni, yesterday. There were about 20 persons present, Mr Tiley being in the chair. At the conclusion of the , B ™ ech - Wih n Imposed, and Mr Geary seconded, “That mr Reid yvas a fit and proper person to fill tire office of Superintendent of Otago,” Mr

Robertson moved as an amendment, “That this meeting records its thanks to Mr Reid for his address,” but it did not find a seconder. On the original motion being put only a few hands were held up for it, the remainder of those present not feeling inclined to vote either way.