PUBLIC MEETING.

Grey River Argus, Volume VII, Issue 450, 1 December 1868, Page 2

PUBLIC MEETING.

A meeting was held at Kilgour's Union Hutel on Saturday afternoon, for the purpose of hearing Mr Comiskey's views on the political topics of the day, that gentleman haying announced his intention of becoming a candidate for a seat in the County Council. It not being generally known to the electors that Mr Comiskey would address them, the attendance was not large. Mr Kennedy and Mr De Costa having declined to take the chair, Mr Kilgour, on the motion of Mr Maclean, was voted to that position. The Chairman said the meeting was called for the purpose of hearing Mr Comiskey express his views on various' questions, as it was his intention to contest the election. He (the chairman) said that as Mr Harrison had retired, there were very few good men who were willing to come forward to pick from. He believed Mr Comiskey, as well as Mr Lahman, if elected would do their duty in the Council, and attend to the wants of this district. He would not occupy the time of the meeting with any further remarks, but would at once call on Mr Comiskey. Mr Comiskey said he only arrived in Greymouth. last night, and as it was his intention to leave to-morrow, he thought it advisable to call the electors together to make them aware of his views. Several gentlemen had expressed regret at him not coming forward at an earlier period ; but he was not altogether to blame in that respect. He met Mr Harrison aud Mr Whall in Hokitika some time ago, and inquired of those gentlemen who they thought were likely to come forward to represent Greymouth in the County Council, at the same time informing them of his intention of becoming a candidate to represent this district in the Council. Mr Whall promised to announce him as a candidate, anrl within fifty hours to put him in possession of a requisition signed by a large number of the leading men in Greynionth. He might tell the meeting he had never seen or -heard anytluNg of that requisition. ' Mr Harrison also promised, as soon as he arrived in Greymouth, to inform his (Mr Comiskey's) friends that he was a candidate for a seat in the County Council. He had not done so. He felt very much annoyed and surprised at Mr Harrison, ;nore especially jis he had been a warm supporter of his at previous elections, and had worked hard to secure his return. In' coming forward, he did not wish to be placed in a false position, and therefore hoped that this meeting would say whether he was a fit and proper person or not to represent them ; if they were of opinion that he was fit, that they would work to secure his return. He had a large stake in the country, and in looking after Ihe interests of the people of Greymouth he would only be watching over his own interests. He was well aware of the w.mts and requirements of the district. He was well posted up in the geography of Westland. and knew every spot in it, and he believed he was as able to look after their interests as any other man the electors could bring forward. There were men standing for a seat in the Council who did not know what they were going there for. If such men were returned, woe to -the country. He considered this district had been very much neglected. He pointed out the fact that the important diggings at the Greenstone, although much nearer to Greymouth than Hokitika, the latter town had secured all the trade, and Greymouth thereby suffered a serious loss, simply through want of foresight on the part of those entrusted with public matters. By opening up a small portion of country, the whole of the Greenstone trade could be secured to Greymouth ; and he was surprised that no steps had been taken to attain that object. He would not go into detail at this meeting, but would have an opportunity of doing so before the election. It has been said by some individuals, no doubt to secure their own ends, that I am an Hokitika man. I am not an Hokitika man, but a Greymouth man, and intend remaining one. I do not think it necessary to go into my private affairs ; but I may mention that I have a very large interest in Greymouth, and my interest in Hokitika, in a great measure, will cease next month. If you return me to a seat in the County Council, I will not leave a stone unturned to further the prosperity of this district. If Ido not attend to my duties, or continue to have your confidence while in the Council, you can ask me to resign, and I pledge my honor to comply with your request. You may rely on what I have said, as I have a name to protect that I value more than politics. He could be elected for three districts, but preferred Greymouth, as nearly all his interest was centred there. He referred to the lately-projected Lake Brunner water race, and pointed out the advantages that would accrue to Greymouth through enterprises of this nature, and intimated Ms desire to promote and foster all works that would develop the resources of the country, which he believed were immense. He stated that from the Teremakau to the Grey river was the richest field in Westland, and only wanted roads to enable the miners to prospect, and water brought on to the ground to secure a large population. He would be glad . to answer any questions that might be put to him. In answer to a question by Mr Kilgour, 1 Mr Comiskey said that he was of opinion that the County Council should by a special vote, pay the debts of the Road Board. The money had been well

spent, and in the interest and safety of the place he could not see that the Borough should be saddled with the amount. \ A few other questions being put and answered, . ;■. Mr De Costa propoaed that Mr P. Comiskey was ,a fit and proper person to represent the district of Greymouth in the County, Council,. , , . , Mr J. C. Revell seconded the motion, which was carried. Mr De Costa proposed that a committee should be formed to secure Mr Comiskey's return, but aftnr some discussion the proposition was withdrawn. Mr Magoffin proposed, seconded by Mr Lahman a vote of thanks to the chairman. The meeting theu adjourned.