THE ELECTIONS.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1728, 3 September 1879, Page 3

THE ELECTIONS.

NOMINATION FOR COLERIDGE.

This nomination took place in the Town Hall, Ashburton, at noon, yesterday. Mr G. L. Lee, the Returning Officer, stated the object for which they were assembled. Mr John Grigg, who was received with applause, said he had much pleasure in proposing Mr G. Hart as a fit and proper perron to represent Coleridge in Parliament. Fit and proper vrero titne-lionourod wordo, and Mr Hart was fit from his knowledge of Parliamentary matters, his education, and his having a stake in the country, and ho was a proper person from his unstained character and integrity. The present election was important, as the question had been raised as to whether the country approved of the doings of the Government. The Government had been defeated by a _ large majority through their maladministration of affairs, and had then, in spite of the fact that the largest number ever recorded in the House of Representatives had voted against them, appealed to the country. He had no doubt, however, that the verdict of the House of Representatives would be endorsed by the people, [ Applause.] Mr Hart was less likely to be carried away to join those who had been fully convicted by the House of Representatives of maladministration. Of this maladministration there was no doubt. The attempt to bribe certain papers by giving them special wires at a nominal sum, and thereby securing their support, was such an attempt to influence public opinion unfairly that it was unworthy of Englishmen. [ Applause.] The Thames railway, again, showed that the Government had no scruples, and he believed the country generally had lost every atom of faith in the Government. The Government programme proposed an elected Governor, This meant severing New Zealand from the mother country. In fact, it sapped their very constitution, and made them from Englishmen into Americans. [Applause.] He believed they had every confidence in Mr Hart, and he hoped to see him returned at the head of the poll. He had no doubt Mr Hart would be returned by a large majority. [Hear, and hisses.] Mr 0. P. Cox seconded. Mr Hart had a claim on them from having taken the seat at a time when no one else came forward, and they should give him a fair trial. He would be glad to see Mr Wright in the House on any other occasion, but did not think he was wise in coming forward now. A requisition had been certainly presented to him, but some of those signing this requisition only wanted Mr Wright to stand in order that there might be two candidates of the same views, so that a supporter of Sir George Grey might creep in by the votes being split, [Applause and hisses.] He had much pleasure in seconding Mr Hart’s nomination, [ApMr J ] . Ivess proposed Mr E. G. Wright. He hoped Mr Grigg had thrown no glamour in their eyes, as he said Sir G. Grey had in the eyes of the colony. The cause of Sir George Grey was the cause of progression. He did not believe in political rest, and Mr Hart was friend of the squatters and land jobbers, and tried to shut up the land. Mr Hart would tax all the poor people, the mechanic and the struggling artisan. Mr Grigg had said certain papers had been bribed by special wires being granted, but he, Mr Ivess, knew this was untrue. He was a member of both the Press Agency and Press Association, and paid the same sum to each, and he knew that both wires only cost the same sum of £2OOO per annum paid to the Government for the privilege by each of the associations, Mr Wright was the proper person to represent them. He was the local candidate, and not an absentee like Mr Hart. [Loud applause.]_ Mr David Wilson seconded the nomination.

Mr Hart addressed the electors. He did not stand there to reply to Mr Ivess’s remarks, as Mr Ivess stood there as a disappointed candidate, with whom neither the supporters of Mr Wright nor himself would! have anything to do. [Applause and hisses.] He stigmatised tho Government as a Government of empty promises. He believed in deeds, not words, and if they looked into his life they would find that if he had spoken little he had not been idle. He was interested in the district as weU as Mr Wright. Ho hoped they would return him. He had no feeling against Mr Wright, but was sorry another gentleman of similar views to himself had come forward. He would much rather have opposed Mr Ivess or any other supporter of Sir Geo. Grey, as it would then have been a question of principle, and he should have been certain of a large majority, [Applause and hisses.] Mr E. G. Wright would not detain them long, ho was a man of progress, and had been interested in many successful enterprises, whilst Mr Hart had it was true been connected with many ventures, but, unfortunately, they had been unsuccessful. He had been so well received at the various places he had visited, that it was unnecessary for him to recapitulate his views. Ho was living amongst them, and knew tho requirements of the and if elected, would work hard for their interests, [Ap. plaose.]

In reply to questions from Mr Megson, Mr Wright said he would support the establishment of n goods shed and station-master at Dromore. He would be in favor of extending the power of school committees Mr Hart replied in a similar manner to the same question from the same elector. In reply to Mr b'ando, Mr Wright said be was in favor of the greatest possible facilities being given to the registration of votes. A show of bands was then taken, which the returning officer declared to be in favor of Mr Wright. . , ~ Mr Hart demanded a poll, which will be bold on the 35th instant. Mr Wright thanked those who had hold up their hands in his favor, and moved a vote of tha-ks to the registration officer, which was seconded by Mr Hart. - . There was a largo attendance, about 300 being present, and the hands held up for Mr T 7 right were very numerous. The meeting was orderly, and listened well to all tho speakers. NOMINATION FOR SOUTHERN MAORI DISTRICT. The nomination of candidates for the Southern Maori electoral district took place at St. Stephen’s, Kaiapoi, on Monday. Mr A. Mackay, returning officer, conducted the. proceedings. The candidates nominated were—' Ihaia Tainni, proposed by Henare Mahnika, seconded by Te Koti Te Rata. Paratene Tananniorongi, proposed by Arama Tahuna, seconded by Meihana Tawha. Hemi Matenga, proposed by Meihana Taopn, seconded by Atuatni. Kerrame Herangi, proposed by Tieko Pane pane, seconded by Tama Ruka. Tho show of hands was— Ihaia Tainui 19 Paratene C Matenga 3 Kerrame 2 A poll was demanded on behalf of Matenga, who is half brother of the late Hon. Wi Parata. The polling takes place on Monday, Bth inst., at the various polling places in the South Island. • THE DUNEDIN ELECTION. [Bv Telegraph.] DUNEDIN, September 2. The polling for Dunedin took place to-day, and scarcely any otherbnsiness was done. From tho numbers employed in bringing electors to the polling booths, and the numerous vehicles in commission ; it is certain that all parties did their utmost to return their men. Opinion daring the day was in favor of Messrs Dick, Macassey, and Oliver. Mr Macassey received the Catholic block vote. The result proved different. At six o’clock tho returning officer gave the following as tho approximate result of the poll: Dick ... ... ... ... 1140 Oliver ... ... -I ... .... 1044 Stewart 989 Macassey ... ... ... 744 Beeves , • 676 Bracken ... ... 477 The two last named are Government men. The candidates shortly addressed the assemblage. NOMINATIONS. AUCKLAND, September 2. At the City West nomination the show of hands was :—Hnrst, 63; Wallis, 59; Stark, 51; Newman, 10. The poll will be held on Saturday. TIMABU, September 2, Messrs Turnbull and Woolcomba were nominated to-day for Timarn. The show of hands was in favor of Mr Turnbull. A poll was demanded. The contest will be very close. Mr Wooloombe and his proposer were continually interrupted by Mr Turnbull’s supporters, who were evidently determined not to give them a hearing. Mr Turnbull himself had to ask for a hearing for the other side. MILTON, September 2. The nomination for the representation of Bruce took place at Milton to-day. Messrs W. A. Murray, W. A. Mosley, and W. J. Dyer were proposed. The show of hands was : Dyer, 24 ; Murray, 21; Mosley, 11. Mr Mosley demanded a poll. MISCELLANEOUS ELECTION ITEMS. TIMARU, September 2. Mr Henry Feldwick, the defeated Qreyite candidate at Invercargill, has telegraphed that he intends contesting Geraldine with Mr Wakefield. INVERCARGILL, September 2. Great interest is being taken in the Riverton election. It is thought now it will be between Messrs Hankinson, Baldey, and McCaughan. MR STEVENS AT KNIGHTSIOWN. A large number of electors met Mr Stevens at the Library at Knightstown last evening, when Mr J. L. Wilson took t 1 • chair. Mr Stevens, who was received with great applause, gave his opinions on the various questions of the day. He was in favor of electoral reform, a full and free exercise of the franchise, and in favor of simplicity in the same. Ho would, if elected, extend tho hours of polling to nine o’clock, so that all the working men might have an opportunity of voting. The Maori dual vote he was certainly against, as ho thought it a most objectionable procedure on the part of the Grey Government. He was in favor of triennial Parliaments, and he had cordially supported Sir George Grey when the question was brought before the House. He touched upon tho re-distribution of seats, and advocated that policy. The sale of land on deferred payments was always a pet schema of his, and he should to the best of his ability endeavor to carry out the Act of 1877, which allowed any person, according to Appendix G., to. go now and buy any land, unless it was reserved. There was bo more liberal Act than the Land Act of 1877. Ho had nothing to do with the squatters, nor would he wish to do so. After 1880 the preemptive rights came to an end, and then the matter would be set at rest for ever. _ He was a free trader, and intended to continue so. He was in favor of high schools and schools of design, and educating the people as far as possible. He referred to the manner in whicn he had worked for the hospitals and charitable aid institutions, and concluded his address by asking the electors to believe that if he was elected he would do his best to serve them in Parliament, as he had hitherto done, in a straightforward manner. A number of questions were put to Mr Stevens, which he answered to the satisfaction of the meeting. A vote of thanks and confidence was carried byavery large majority. Mr Stevens then moved a vote of thanks to the chairman, which was duly seconded and carried. Three cheers were given for the candidate, and the meeting, which was very orderly, terminated.

MR S.P. ANDREWS AT ADDINGTON,

Mr Andrews addressed a meeting of electors at the Wesleyan School-room, Addington, last evening. There was a good attend mce, the school being well filled. Mr Thos. Graham was voted to the chair. Mr Andrews, after announcing that he came forward in the Liberal interest, stated his views at great length on all the leading political topics. His address was similar to that already reported. Mr Andrews was enthusiastically cheered on resuming his seat. Dr. Turnbull then addressed those present. He stated that, if elected for Christchurch, Sir George Grey would undoubtedly sit for that constituency in the House of Parliament. Mr Andrews then answered a number of questions. It was moved and seconded—“ That it is the opinion of this meeting that Mr S. P. Andrews is a fit and proper person to represent us in Parliament; also, that a vote of thanks be recorded to Mr Andrews for his address.” The chairman declared this to be carried unanimously. Three cheers were then called and given for Sir G. Grey and Mr Andrews. MR MORGAN AT HEATHCOTE, Mr J. A. Morgan addressed th* electors of Heathcote at the schoolroom, Upper Heathcote, last evening. Mr Morland was voted to tho chair, and, in introducing tho candidate, requested a fair hearing. Mr Morgan stated that, having been requested to stand for Heathcote, he did so because he considered Mr Fisher had not done his duty, and that, sooner than Mr Fisher should have a walk over, he came forward to contest the election. He considered that the Hospital and Lunatic Asylum should receive attention before other public works, as it wag well known they were at present overcrowded. Ho then read a few extracts from “ Hansard” in proof of his statements. He was directly opposed to Sir G. Grey, and objected to Mr Fisher always playing at “ follow my leader.” Ho was opposed to the Maori dual vote. He was of opinion that the duties on grain and timber should not have been taken off. Ho wished also to state that Mr Fisher wanted to tax tho working man’s beer. He regarded Chinese immigration as a great evil. Mr Morgan answered several questions to the satisfaction of tho meeting. Education ho would have remain as at present. The West Coast railway he would see wont by Weka Pass. Port charges should be uniform throughout New Zealand, and the

land tax he did not consider fair. He did not know why a late train was run on Sunday last. Ho was in favor of compensation in connection with the Local Option Bill. Mr Pyno proposed a vote of thanks and confidence in Mr Morgan, which was seconded by Mr Torrens, and carried. Mb J. T. FISHER AT HEATHCOTE TALLEY. Mr Fisher addressed a large meeting at Heathcote Talley last night; Mr Martindnle being voted to the chair. Mr Fisher opened his address by rebutting the charges which had been brought against him by the other gentleman contesting the seat. In his address he referred to the principal items of the Government policy ; after which ho answered a few questions put by several of the electors. Mr Marsden proposed a vote of confidence in and thanks to Mr Fisher, for his address, which was seconded by Mr Sandford, An amendment was proposed by Mr Wilson that a vote of thanks only ho accorded to Mr Fisher. This was not seconded, and on the original motion being put to the meeting it was carried unanimously. Three hearty cheers were then given for Mr Fisher. A vote of thanks, proposed by Mr Fisher, to the chairman, was carried unanimously.