THE ELECTIONS.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1725, 30 August 1879, Page 3

THE ELECTIONS.

THE SELWYN NOMINATION. The nomination of candidates for the xepresentation of the electoral district of Selwvn was appointed for yesterday at noon, at which hour a number of the electors were present at the Road Board office, Leeaton. Mr G. L. Lee, the returning officer, said— Gentlemen and electors of the electoral district of Selwyn—Wo have met here to-day ■for tho purpose of receiving nominations of candidates for a seat in the General Assembly to represent our district. I have only to ask that a fair hearing may be given to any candidates that may be nominated, and I will now proceed to road the writ and ask for nominations. The usual form having been gone through on the part of the returning officer, Mr W. J. G. Bluett came forward and said —Mr Returning Officer and gentlemen,—l

have much pleasure in proposing to the electors of thia district a candidate to represent them in the General Assembly. The gentleman whom I intend to nominate is one who has had a large experience in the political world, and one who, I feel certain from the weight he carries in the House, will be of immense service, not only to this district, but to the whole of .New Zealand; and I am quite sure he will do his duty to the electors, even to those electors who do not agree with him. I know, gentlemen, that if the Angel Gabriel were to come down from Heaven to represent the he would not please everybody; but I believe that in getting a gentleman to fill that office who would fairly represent the large majority of the district, and who would also do no injustice towards the minority, we should be perfectly satisfied. _ Gentlemen, I have great pleasure in proposing the Hon. John Hall as a fit and proper person to represent the district of Selwyn in the General Assembly. Mr M'Nae (of Halkett) seconded the nomination. In doing so he alluded to the meeting at Southbridge the previous evening, when Mr Hall received an almost unanimous vote of confidence at the hands of the electors. As far as his opinion went he did not altogether agree with Mr Hall as a politician, but on the whole he did not believe they could get a better man. [Applause.] The usual question having been put as to whether there were any other nominations, and there being no response, The Returning Officer then declared Mr Hall to be duly eleoted the representative of the Selwyn district in the House of Representatives. [Applause and cheers.] The Hon. John Hall, who on coming forward was heartily received, said—Gentlemen, I have on previous occasions troubled you at such length on the questions which are demanding attention from the constituents at the present time, that for that reason, and also because I know you are anxious to be elsewhere (at the monthly sales) in a few minutes, I will now say but a very few words. I think the whole of the questions which are before the electors, and they are very important ones, have been fully ventilated. At Leeston, and at Southbridge and Halkett, I have addressed my constituents on the principal topics of the day, and I intend also to hold at a meeting at Killincby, which I had not time to do before now. I have not, I think, left you under any mistake as to the views I hold on any disputed question. I have refused to call myself by one political name or another. I have not called myself a Liberal or a Conservative, nor a protectionist or free-trader, because, gentlemen, in my opinion, these names always fail to convey any definite meaning as to a man's opinions. One man may mean by any one of these terms that he is one thing, and another man may mean that he is something else. In order, therefore, to enable the electors to understand what he really means, a candidate should tell them what measures he will support and what he will oppose, and it would then be for them to draw any conclusions as to what they should call him. The assumption of party names and the raising of of a political cry were very often apt to mislead, and these are the reasons why I refused to adopt a cry of that kind. I would only now say again that the question which in my opinion has been referred to the electors is the question of whether the present Government shall remain in office, ■ and that involves the question of whether we shall continue to be governed upon the same constitutional principles as we have proceeded under in this country for the last quarter of a century, or whether we shall admit into the Government a larger share of personal rule or not. I think, gentlemen, we ought to stick to the old line of constitution. [Applause.] If we wish to preserve the liberties and privileges handed down to us, we ought to say we will follow this precedent, and adhere to the form of Government experienced by our forefathers, and as shown to be necessary to secure to Englishmen the fullest enjoyment of well ordered and well regulated liberty. Ido not presume, gentlemen, from the flattering fact of my having been elected without opposition that there is no difference of opinions in the district. I do not at all presume to think or say that. But I do say that the faot of so considerable a preponderance of opinion as evinced by the absence of an opposition candidate, is one I feel to be very complimentary to myself. This fact, in consideration of another, that if not new to this district, I am a new candidate for your suffrages, I can assure you I appreciate most sincerely; and Mr Bluett did me no more than justice when he told you that in serving yon I should not know my supporters from my opponents. I shall study the colony at large in the first instance, and this district in the second [Applause] ; —and I hope those gentlemen who differ from me will do me the justice to apply to me in any case in which they have the interest of the district concerned. [Renewed applause.] Gentlemen, I mußt now conclude by saying that I hope you will never regret the day you bestowed upon me your confidence in so flattering a manner. On the candidate concluding, he was greeted with three hearty cheers. Mr Hall then moved that a vote of thanks be accorded to the returning officer, which was unanimously carried. The proceedings then terminated, and an adjournment was made to the Leeston Hotel, where lunch had been prepared to the order of the successful oandidate. MESSRS GOODWIN AND MORGAN AT WALTHAM. Mr Goodwin, one of the candidates for Heathcote, addressed a large meeting at Waltham laßt evening. Mr Stevenson occupied the chair, and briefly introduced the candidate. Mr Goodwin repeated most of his address at Lincoln, and answered several questions which were put to him. Mr J. A. Morgan, another candidate for Heathcote, by permission of Mr Goodwin, then addressed the electors. He said that he had been somewhat suddenly called upon to contest the Heatheote seat with the Hon. J. T. Fisher, in compliance with a numerously signed requisition. He had therefore consented to do so. Mr Morgan then proceeded to criticise the conduct of the Hon. J. T. Fisher as the representative of Heathcote, particularly as a member of the present Government. He (Mr Morgan) was a limited protectionist—that was, bo far as the encouragement of local industries were concerned. On the question of redistribution of seats, he was in favor of the representation being arranged on the basis of population. In Canterbury there had been a marked increase in 'population, and, therefore, she was entitled to increased representation and more members than she at present possessed. As regarded education, he was in favor of the present Act being continued, as he believed its working here had been most satisfactory. He had been connected with one of the schools in. the district as chairman, and had, therefore, hod practical experience of the working of the Aot. He was in favor of triennial Parliaments, because it afforded the people an opportunity of expressing their opinions on the conduct of their representatives at an earlier date than was now the case. On the question of the proposed removal of the head quarters of railway management from.Christchurch'to Dunedin he (Mr Morgan) was of opinion that it meant far more to Canterbury than was at first discernable. Not only did it mean the removal of the workshops from Addington, but aIBO that the West Coast railway would not be made via Weka Pass, but would be taken along the Strath Taieri line and via the Haast Pass, which meant increased expenditure for the benefit of Otago only, and not for Canterbury. This really meant that Sir George Grey, Messrs Macandrew and Fisher were working for the in- ' terests of Otago and not for those of Canterbury. With regard to the dual vote proposed to be granted to the Maoris, he (Mr Morgan) was strongly opposed to it, because it would . enable them to sway the elections in certain electorates of the North. This would be felt in regard to Kuiapoi. Mr Morgan concluded his address by stating that, if elected, he would do his best for the district.

In answer to questions, Mr Morgan stated his distinct intention of contesting the seat. On the deferred payment of lands question, he expressed himself perfectly in favor of the system. With regard to the £IOO,OOO, he stated that he considered the amount was due to the province, and, if elected, he would do his best to insist on its payment, as being now mmsh needed. As regarded the Local Option BUI, h» was in favor of the Bill, but with a compensation clause for compensating those whose licenses were taken from them in the interests of the public, and from no fault of thoir own. He believed that tho Hon. J. T. Fisher was in the Ministry at the time of the withholding the £IOO,OOO. He was in favor of the present loan, and the stopping of immigration until the present unemployed population found employment.

Mr Goodwin, at the close of Mr Morgan's address, announced hia intention of resigning the contest, and giving all his support and influence to that gentleman. Mr Goodwin concluded by proposing a vote of confidence in and thanks to Mr Morgan. The proposition was seconded by Mr Shirley, and carried unanimously. A vote of thanks to the Chairman, proposed by Mr Goodwin, and seconded by Mr Morgan, was carried unanimously. A vote of thanks, on the motion of Mr Morgan, to Mr Somers for the use of his room was .carried by acclamation. MR STEVENS AT COLOMBO ROAD. A very large attendance of electors was present at the meeting called by Mr Stovens, who wished to state his views to that portion of the constituency. Mr Charles Clark was voted to the chair, and claimed for the candidate a fair and impartial hearing. Mr Stevens, in his address, tonchod upon the various matters whioh at present occupy the public mind. He referred to the ballot, which he averred was perfectly secret. He said that under the Land Act of 1877 it was impossible to shut out any person from selecting any land in Canterbury whioh he thought proper to purchase. He also referred to the redistribution of seats, and although he did not aspire to office yet if it was found necessary he would accept office in any Ministry which had the interests of the colony at heart. He was in favor of triennial Parliaments, as all the electors of Ohristchuroh knew, but he was certainly not in favor of the dual Maori vote, as advocated by Sir George Grey and his coadjutors. He wanted to know who were to be elected if Sir George Grey carried the dual vote for the Maoris. Where would they be. He pointed out to the meeting how he had always been a consistent supporter of the extension of the franchise, and he considered that every one who was a colonist ought to have a vole so long as he complied with the laws of the land. He had never "gridironed" or locked up any land, nor was he a squatter, and he would impress upon the meeting that the land was |free to all. Pre-emptive rights he had invariably Bet'hisface against, and done his best to do away with, but the Act was passed before he became a member of the Assembly. He considered that the Provincial Council and the General Assembly were wrong in allowing such a measure to be passed. He was not a " land shark," nor were the gentlemen who had been maligned by Sir George Grey, viz., ;Mr Rolleston, Mr Saunders, Mr Bowen, Mr Bryce, or Mr Donald Reid. These gentlemen were leaders of a liberal policy, and were Bgainst any measure which would block up the land. They were all desirous for the advancement of the race of life, and could never " land sharks.'' He spoke as to the hospital, orphanage and charitable aid, and said he had always taken a deep interest in those institutions, but that the late Government and the present Government had been deaf to his entreaties. He had no confidence in the present Government. He spoke as to immigration, Native affairs, and railway matters, and told the meeting that all these bunglings were caused by the mismanagement of the present Government. Mr Stevens, in answer to questions, said ho was in favor of a Royal Commission to inquire into railway matters, and that if that commission was appointed, he would only be too glad to serve on it if he was elected to the House. Several other questions were asked relative to railway and other matters, which the candidate answered to the entire satisfaction of the meeting. Mr N. Francis moved, and Mr Foster seconded, a vote of thanks to and confidence in Mr Stevens. Mr Miller moved, and Mr Rowland seconded, an amendment to the effect that vote of thanks only be recorded. For the amendment four hands were held up, and the original resolution was carried by a large majority. Three oheers for Mr Stevens, and a vote of thanks to the chairman, terminated a most orderly meeting. MR WEARING AT RANGIORA. Mr Wearing addressed a crowded meeting of electors in the Rangiora Institute last night. The Mayor presided. Captain Parsons explained that owing to his farming business arrangements, he was unable _ to comply with the requisition presented to him, but hoped the electors would support Mr Wearing, who was a supporter of Sir George Grey. Mr Wearing gave his address on the questions of the day, and was questioned at some length. Captain Parsons moved, and Mr Malcolm Duncan seconded, a vote of confidence. Mr Boyd moved, and Mr Mulcock seconded an amendment of a vote of thanks. The number of hands held up was not arrived at, and some confusion ensued. The meeting being entertained with three ringing oheers for Mr Bowen, with a mixture of horn blowing, to the annoyance of a contingent _of electors from the Kaiapoi end of the district, who had been brought up to put in the applause. TOTARA AND MATAURA ELECTIONS. [By Telegraph.] ROSS, August 29. The Hon. Mr Gishorne was returned today for Totara unopposed. INVEROARGILL, August 29. At the nomination for Mataura to-day, Mr Shanks was returned unopposed. NOMINATIONS. [By Tbiegbaph.] NAPIER, August 29. At the nominations to-day Captain Russell, Messrs Buchanan, Sutton, and Maney were nominated. The show of hands was in favor of Mr Buchanan. Mr Sutton demanded a poll. It is authoritively stated that Mr Sheehan will be nominated to-morrow for Olive, in opposition to Mr Ormond. WESTPORT, August 29. The nominations for Buller were Mr J. B. Fisher and Dr. Henry. Mr Fisher was proposed by Mr O'Conor, seconded by Mr Munro. The show of hands was two to one in favor of Mr Fisher. Mr O'Oonor denounced Dr. Henry as having betrayed both the cause of the people and the interest of the goldfields. He has some supporters in Westport. Three cheers were given for Sir George Grey. KAIKOURA, August 29. Messrs. Ingles and Saunders were nominated to-day for the Cheviot district. The show of hands was thirteen for Mr Saunders and fifteen for Mr Ingles. A poll was demanded.