THE CAVERSHAM ELECTION.

Evening Star, Issue 3895, 18 August 1875, Page 2

THE CAVERSHAM ELECTION.

MR LARNACH’S MEETING.

We take the following account of Mr Lar“arch’s meeting at the Portobello schoolhouse 1 st night from this morning’s ‘ Times aThere was a crowded meeting of electors, and Mr Dickson was elected chairman. Mr W. J, M. Larnaoh said that in regard to the important matters occupying public attention, that of the abolition of the Provinces was pre-eminent, and he at once announced himself as being an advocate for such abolition, because the existence of such a number of separate petty Parliaments, with all their attendant expenses, sapped all the sources of revenue and diverted it into channels that were neither conducive to the interests of the community nor general prosperity. Although the salaries of Provincial officers might not bo excessive, their large number made the total very large; and he believed that, as a matter of economy, one central Government was not likely to incur such an outlay in that respect. The great point with us, as inhabitants of Otaeo, was to conserve our land lovenue, and if be was elected as their representative he would be no party to its alienation from this Province. Me was for a cheaper government than we now have, and that, he thought, this measure for abolition of the Provinces will supply; because all the duties that now devolve on Provincial Councils can be performed by road boards or shire councils if properly constituted, one of whose members might become a delegate to the General Government, rendering it essential that such bodies assume a higher status than they now hold. In regard to the loan which we are now using, it appeared large, but he did not _ think it was larger than our resources justified us in obtaining; but at the same time it is a matter that we must grapple with if i( be large, and for that reason he, as a business man, familiar with large monetary transactions, claimed their support. No man of mere government routine was adapted or suited to the present position of affairs. He had been all lus life in the Colonies, largely concerned in various and extensive concerns, and he claimed to having been specially educated in financial operations by the experience he had had. The men who oppose the measure now under consideration are the members and servants of Provincial Governments, and it is very natural that they should oppose the changes contemplated. But, although the Provinces once were useful, before the present greatly increased facilities of inter-commu nicatiou with almost all parts of the Colony by means of s eamboats, railroads, and the telegraph, now their day is gone. We need more central and cheaper government, and we must show to the world by our economy that we are determined to maintain the credit and honor of the Colony by meeting the large liabilities incurred. After entering fully into the topics of the day he concluded as follows : —I hesitated before coming forward as a candidate for this seat in the House of Representatives, but having been called on by a number of the voters to stand I thought it my duty to comply. It is my determination to fight out the battle, and should you place me at the head of the poll I will prove to you, by my attention to the duties of the office, that I seek your interest. I do not want office, I go to represent you, and as my interests are large and identical with yours, if I seek to servo myself I shall also be serving you. The Provincial Government of Otago has voted large sums of money that it has no ohanci* of being able to expend. When deputations wait on his Honor the Superintendent to inquire as to the delay in the execution of the works for which this money was voted, he has often coolly to reply, "Yes, the money was voted, but we have not got it.” N°t only so, but this loose mode of admin isteringjthe revenue induces a laxity in the application of the funds really expended, Railways are being made in particular districts to the utter neglect of large tracts of valuable connt:y that have no roads of any kind. It may be objected to my candidature that I have large interest in squatting. It is true that I such interest, but it is also true that I am interested in manufacture—iu fact, independent of those I employ personally, my firm employs 500 men more than any, other fi l .® in the Colony. Mr Stout states that this Bill will disfranchise all who are rated michi LSO, but by reading over the succeeding clause to that referred to, it is evident that such is not the intention of the measure, and the word ‘not in the former clause is inserted in error. I think that every man is entitled to a vote, and I shall oppose this Bill if Mr Stoat’s

reading of it be the true one. Wo are told that this Bill does not secure the land revenue to the Province ; clause 27, which I now read to you, appears to me to do so. If not, I give you my pUdge that I will vote against it Again, if I find (hat by delaying the passing of this Bill in th<* hurried manner in which it is brought forward, the interest of the community can be best served, I will do my best to do so; but my own opinion is that our interest lies in immediate abolition. If there is delay, there will then be an opportunity given to the rrovincial Governments to squander the lands to raise funds tor their treasuries, and as best they may “ make hay while the sun shines.” Allow me to remind you once more that my opponent occupies a different position to me. lam living among you ;my interest is yours; and I therefore have a better claim than he for your votes. On sitting down Mr ’ ; Larnaob was cheered very heartily. Mr Clearwater asked if Mr Larnach would support the Peninsula and Ocean Beach Railway.

Mr Larnach : Yes; I will support one down the centre of the Peninsula too. Air Conets proposed that Mr Larnach was a fit and proper person to represeut the district in the General Assembly, Mr Beaton, although a supporter of Mr Larnach, would propose, as an amendment, that the thanks of the meeting be given to Mr l arnach for his address, but does not pledge itself. Tne amendment on being put was lost, and the motion carried by a large majority. MR STOUT’S MEETING. Mr R. Stout met the electors at the Gre a n Island Drill-shed last night, and addressee them at some length. Mr W. Thomson occupied the chair. At the conclusion of the candidate’s speech, Mr Solomon moved, and Mr 0. Samson seconded, that Mr Stout is the most fit and proper person to represent the district, in the Assembly, wh'ch was carried unanimously.