MR E. C.J. STEVENS AT ADDINGTON.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 465, 10 December 1875, Page 3

MR E. C.J. STEVENS AT ADDINGTON.

Laßt Thursday Mr B. C. J. Stevens addressed a meeting of the electors at Feathers' Hotel, Addington. The room was crowded, there being at least 150 electors present. On the motion of Mr Stevens, seconded by Mr Ruddenklau, Mr Hall took the chair. The chairman introduced Mr Stevens to the meeting, recommending him to their support as one who had already had great experience in Parliamentary affairs. Mr Stevens then addressed the electors, touching briefly on all the great questions now before the public, and asking them if they had confidence in him to give him the opportunity of serving them in the future General Assembly. Mr Stevens stated, in answer to various questions, that he considered the system of nominated boards, which he proposed should control the various educational departments, the hospitals, gaols, &c, of the colony, the best that could be devised to supply the place of existing systems which must necessarily paBB away soon. He did not think it likely that what a questioner styled " dummies," by which he supposed were meant partisans of the Government, appointed simply because they were such, would compose these Boards. He sought their suffrages as a man perfectly independent of all parties. He would scorn the idea of standing before them as one put forward bj any bank or ("Loud applause.] Mr Stevens stated that he considered the present system of regiav*~tion of voters a very burdensome one. If returned he would endeavour to effect some reforms in this matter, and hoped to see a system established by which all entitled to vote would obtain their rights by a much simpler mode than at present. Mr Nairn proposed, and Mr Ruddenklau seconded, the following motion, which was carried unanimously:—"That this meeting thanks Mr Stevens for his address, and has the fullest confidence in him as a man eminently qualified to represent this district in the General Assembly." A vote of thanks to the chairman brought the proceedings to a close.