THE WAIKARI ELECTION.

Evening Star, Volume IX, Issue 2656, 22 August 1871, Page 2

THE WAIKARI ELECTION.

The nomination of candidates to represent Waikari in the Provincial Council in the room of Mr H. Driver, resigned, took place at noon to day at the Waikari schoolhouse. There were about twenty persons present, and Mr A. C. Strode, the returning officer for the district, presided. The following nominations were made ; Mr Jas. Macassey—proposed by Mr James Galloway, seconded by Mr Jas. Kennedy. Mf Jas. Hepburn—proposed by Mr Wm. Bunting ; seconded by Mr George Guthrie. Mr Henry Ho worth was proposed by Mr Beorge Johns, but there being no seconder, the nomination lapsed. Mr Howokth, who was present, said that hearing that he was to be proposed as a candidate he came there out of deference to the gentleman who had proposed him ; but he had no intention of contesting the election..

Mr Hei’JSURX assured those present that up to Saturday last he had no intention of offering himself for election on this occasion ; he thoroughly understood that Mr Driver was to stand for re-election ; and, as he (Mr Hepburn) had been unsuccessful on a former occasion, he had determined not to oppose him again. But on Saturday Mr Driver informed hint that he wpuld not come forward for personal reasons ; and that so far as ho was concerned the field was open to him (Mr Hupburu), and that if he had a mind to stand he would throw his support on his (Mr Hepburn’s) side. After short consideration, au,d Rearing that no one was in the field as a candidate for the representation of the district, and thinking it would be a pity indeed that that old district, in which he had lived so long should be unrepresented, or rather should have to go begging to other quarters for a representative, he hurriedly put an advertisement in the papers offering himself as a candidate. Up to to-day he had not been aware, except by rumor, that any one else would have cpme forward. Notwithstanding that another gentleman had been brought forward—a gentleman of high standing in the point of eloquence, learning, and talents —he would adhere to his resolution to offer himself as a candidate. 1 1 • was well known to almost every elector in the district, having lived in their midst since ho came to New Zealand 20 years ago, and he had had some experience in the councils of the Province as well as in the councils of the colony.

All his interest was in the district, and { he had always taken a deep interest in every matter affecting it. He had taken his share in public affairs for the benefit of the community around him, as well as in those matters which interested the whole Province. He had been blessed with a continuance of goo.l health, and having ample time at his disposal, he was willing to place that time at the disposal of the residents of the district, if he oould be of any benefit to them. If they thought fit to return him as their member for the Provincial Council, he would use his best efforts to further the progress of the district ; but if they thought otherwise, and elected another person he should retire in peace, and without reflection. As to his opponent, he did not know how he could take a proper intei-est in the matters which affected the district. As they were all aware that gentleman was so engrossed in his own business, that unless at a great sacrifice, in his (Mr Hepburn’s) opinion, he could not find the time to take part in the prolonged discussions and harangues in the Provincial Council. But it was for the electors to judge which was the better person to represent them. He thought it would be quite unnecessary for him to enter into the public questions which were agitating the people at the present moment; another opportunity would be afforded for that purpose. A show of hands was called for, when five —including that of Mr John Graham, a nonelector—were held up for Mr Hepburn, and three for Mr Macassey. A poll was demanded on behalf of the lalter gentleman, and ordered to 1 e taken on the 29th lust.