THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

Evening Star, Volume IX, Issue 2634, 27 July 1871, Page 2

THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

The nomination of candidates for Municip 1 Councillors, in lieu of those retiring by rotation, took place at the Provincial Buildings at nooa. His Worship the Mayor presided as returning officer, and the Town Clerk, after stating the names of those who had retired, read the following uomina. tions :

Souh Ward.—E. B. Cargill - Proposer, Moss Moss ; Seconder, B. J. Lowry. Wm. Lloyd—Proposer, John Williams ; Seconder, John Howard.

High Ward. Keith Ramsay—Proposer, James Molli-on; Seconder, Ralph Ewing. H. J. Walter —Proposer, George E. Dermer j Seconder, Lachman Hay man. Bell Ward.—William Gilchrist—Proposer, George Munro ; Seconder, John Hamaan. William Henry Neale - Proposer, Elijah Harrop; Seconder, Albert Beck. W. H. Cutten —Proposer, John W. Jago j Seconder, Abraham Gibbs. John Paterson—Proposer, Pierce Power ; Seconder, William Gregg. Leith Ward. —Louis Thoneman—Proposer, Peter Gibson ; Seconder, John Barnes. Alexander Findlater—Proposer—J. A. L. Richmond ; Seconder, Hugh Gourlay. Auditors. —Will S. Douglas Proposer, George Turnbull; Seconder, William Hepburn. Sydney James— Proposer, Mr W. J. M. Larnach; Seconder, Geo. Dowse. Henry Bay!iss—Proposer, Jas. Duncan; 'Seconder, James Liggins. Mr Ramsay then came forward, and said he offered himself a candidate at the request of a large number of his fellow-citiz-ns, and had some knowledge of the requirements of the City through having been long connected with it. If elected, it would be his care to perform the duties of Councillor conscientiously. In answer to questions, he had not come forward at the instance of the Caledonian Society, which w r as not a political body. So far as he was concerned, it had had no influence upon his candidateship. He thought the Mayoi’s salary too high, and that it should be reduced to L 250 a year. The honor connected with the office should be more esteemed than the remuneration. He had heard that Mr Fish had been canvassing for Mr Walter, but on enquiry he found there was not a word of truth in the report. Mr H. J. Walter presented himself on a different plea from that which he put forward two years ago w hen elected. Then he knew nothing of municipal matters: now he could say he had served his ward two years, and could fairly say he had done his duty to the best of Ida ability. During those two years ho had attended seventy-five meetings of the Council, and been absent from seven. As a member of the Public Works Committee, he had attended, since August, 1870, thirty meetings, and been once absent. That committee required much time and attention, and frequent visits to places where work was required. Since August, 1870, he had attended fifteen meetings of the Reserves Committee, and been absent from ten ; and on various committees connected with the Fire Brigade, framing of bye-laws, and markets, he had been at t\veuty-two meetings. He had also given time to go to the Molyneux to inspect work for the Corporation connected with their property there. He did not object to fair opposition ; but he had heard that it was boasted of by the Caledonian Society that they would have their own Council and their own Mayor: so that it was time the city should take the matter up. He hardly thought Mr Ramsay wiuld servo the Ward better than he had done. So far a* that gentleman was cop-.crucd and himself, the

contest would be fairly conducted; ibut one gentleman, not an electioneering agent, had taken a most unjust ground, of opposition in objecting to him (Mr Walter) op the ground of his business as a publican. He was engaged in that business two years ago, when he was elected. But Mr Ewing had been endeavoring to oppose him on that ground. (Mr Ewing den ed having done so.) He supposed that next a notice would be posted up intimating that neither publicans, their wives, daughters, nor employes would be admitted on their promises. In reply to questions, he did not represent the Licensed Victuallers Society, having retired from it when they interfered in an election. He acquitted the Caledonian Society and Secretary of using their influence against him. He himself was a member of it. Had the Water Works Company met the Corporation in a liberal spirit, there would have been baths at the Octagon now. He was afraid the gentleman, who compared the kerbing and channeling going on, to a man with a clean collar and a dirty shirt, did not understand the matter. Mr E. B. Cargill was received with cheers. He said he understoo I contrary to his expectation he was to be opposed: whether or not the opposition was to be a formidable one, he did not know. He regretted that during the past few months his duties connected with the Provincial Council had somewhat interfered with'his attendance at the Council meetings, but as that drawback was now removed, he should be able as formerly, to give time to the duties of Councillor.

In reply to questions he said he had not looked carefully at the provisions of the proposed Water Works Bill, but he did not think the people of Dunedin fully appreciate the advantages derived from the full water supply enjoyed, for to that mainly he attributed the healthy condition of the City as compared with what it would have been taking the dry seas n into consideration. The Water Company were as it were, between two fires—the ratepayers complained of the too prompt manner in winch the rates were collected, the Government complained of their collection being in arrears The arrears amounted to about L 1,030. He believed with regard to the kerbing and channelling, the Corporation were disjiosed to show every consideration, wherever immediate payment would press unduly upon any owner of property. Mr Lloyd read a speech, which was principally a protest agauist the City tax upon licensed hawkers. Ho illustrated his views by telling a story of a man being fined for having a pig’s-tail hanging over the edge of his basket.

In reply to a question, he would not promise not to get drunk during the coming twelve months, for he would not be able to keep it. Mr Gilchrist merely announced himself as a candidate, and said he would fully explain his views at differei t meetings. Mr Neale stated he had be.-n invited to offer himself by a large number of inhabitants of the ward. He bad been eleven years in the City, although he had not taken prominent part in public matters. If elected he | hould serve the ward t - the best of his ability. Mr W. 11. Outten offered himself on the ground of his knowledge of City requirements. He was a member of the old Town Board, where in fact he began his political career. He did not come forward to oppose any particular candid te or to censure anything that had been done, yet he did think the Corporation, like all other legislative bodies, had been somewhat extravagant in their expenditure. It was desirable that the citizens of Dunedin should look to that, for the Corporation seemed inclined to spend money too freely. He particularly referred to the kerbing and channelling, which, however necessary in main thoroughfares, was extended to main back streets, where the coat would fall heavily upon small proprietors. Where persons like himse f held a large amount of valuable property, it would be little felt He thought Bell Ward had been somewhat neglected, particularly in the lower portions of it, to which sufficient attention had not been given during the last two years; and consequently it had not been improved equally with the rest of Dunedin. Another motive for his coming forward was, that f. r two years hj ' had nothing to employ his tiire with, and he found having nothing to do very hard worlc. Having then abundant time at his disposal, he was glad to place it at the service of the ratepayers, to whom he thought it m ght be useful.

In reply to questions, he said the new Water Works Bill provided that it should not be necessary to surround a block of land by mains to enable the Company to collect rates, but that the mains should be laid along the frontage. It was proposed, by raising an additional capital, to extend the works, and by spreading the taxation over a wider surface, the subsidy from the G vernmeut could be dispensed with. The rates, although levied upon ratepayers who might not use the water, were a public ad vantage, through affording protection against fire, and gsving means of health and cleanliness.

Mr Paterson in a very few words an nounced himself a candidate.

Mr Tho Neman (who was received with cheers), having so recently explained his views, did not think it necessary to speak at any length. He had a week ago a'most decided to retire from public life, but had been induced to again offer himself by a number of ratepayers.

Mr Findlater painted to his long and intimate connection with municipal affairs, and especially to his knowledge of the requirements of Leith Ward. He had plenty of time at his disposal, and would devote it to the service of the ratepayers, if elected.

A few unimportant questions were put to Mr Fiudlater, which he answered satisfactorily. The Returning Otficlr announced that the poll would take place on Tuesday. Mr K. Ramsay proposed a vote of thanks to the Returning Officer, which was seconded by Mr Fiudlater, and earned.